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Budapest, November 24, 1918
Dear Professor,
Every day one experiences so much that one would like to discuss with one's friends that one doesn't get to write at all, since what is to be communicated is always pushed aside by new events. Strangely, the pessimistic mood didn't last long with me, even though it does return from time to time. That really may be connected with the state of the food supply, which here continues to be the same as that which you were able to observe this summer. The national future of the country is gloomy, to be sure, but the radical socialist movement which has now achieved governmental power has for the moment advanced all progressive tendencies. Hundreds of societies, technical associations, organizations are being brought to life; for the moment, the chauvinistic-clerical elements are silent, or they are secretly preparing reaction, and in the process they are hoping for help from the Entente, especially the French. The populace is getting used to the republican idea; should the monarchy return: Karl will certainly not be crowned again,1 more likely the folksy Archduke Josef.2 But for now nothing is notable about these things. The Social Democrats in the government have—in contrast—made some rather sharp attacks against private property. They have simply annexed the streetcar companies and handed them over to the capital city as property; they have also requisitioned for homebound soldiers many articles of clothing from everyone who has more than three suits, winter coats, more than seven shirts, etc.—Up to now I have always stood aloof from politics, never participated in the election of members of Parliament. But these days the usefulness of