Paul DESCHANEL (1855–1922), a politician, served as President of the Republic. Autograph letter signed, Paris, July 1, 1896; 4 pages, in-8 format, on letterhead of the Chamber of Deputies. An interesting letter on political economy. “Ricardo, fine! But Smith, no! On this point, Bastiat (Harmonies, Value) is unequivocal. Marx started with Smith; that is the source of his error. ‘Orthodox’ is not scientific—you are right. If I used that term, it’s because, as soon as one admits—as I do—in a certain way and in certain cases, the intervention of the state, whether in labor matters or customs, economists treat you a bit like heretics! But I’d be more than happy to withdraw that word!”…