The fundamental question that arises before the workers regarding the split in the Duma social-democratic faction is the question of the relation of the Duma faction to the Marxist whole. Whose will should determine the decisions, tactics, and conduct of the Duma social-democratic faction?

The experience of all social-democratic factions in the world gives a clear and entirely indisputable answer to this question. The Duma deputies of social-democracy are the executors of the will of the conscious and united proletariat of the given country. Those decisions which have been adopted by the advanced proletariat, which it carries through in all its economic and political struggle, are binding upon the Duma social-democratic representation. Deputies of parliament who have diverged from the will of the conscious, united, advanced proletariat forfeit their mandate—that is, they renounce their position as deputies.

These general and fundamental propositions, shared by all Marxists throughout the entire globe, must first of all be understood clearly and firmly grasped, so as not to allow various unscrupulous people to confuse and obscure the disputed question.

If anyone should undertake to defend the independence of Duma social-democrats from the will of the majority of consolidated and conscious workers, then such a person immediately reveals himself as an enemy of Marxist organization and a violator of all unity, all harmonious work of social-democratic workers.

The question now arises: how are we, Russian workers, to determine the will and decisions of the majority of conscious and consolidated social-democratic workers of Russia?