...screams hysterically that we bear "the blood of the old editorial board" (Plekhanov's expression) and that on Lenin's part there was something like intrigues at the Congress, etc. I calmly challenge him in writing (by a statement to the Congress Bureau*) to come forward openly before the entire Party with accusations against me: I undertake to publish everything. Otherwise it is mere Skandalsucht**. Martov, of course, "nobly retreats," demanding (and still now) a court of arbitration; I continue to demand that he have the courage to accuse openly — otherwise I ignore it all as wretched gossip.

Plekhanov refuses to speak because of Martov's unworthy conduct. A dozen of our people submit a statement to the Congress Bureau, branding Martov's "unworthy conduct" in transferring the dispute to the ground of squabbles, suspicions, etc. In parentheses, my two-hour speech on "Comrade Martov's historical turn"*** at the Party Congress towards Versumpfung**** did not evoke even a single protest from the Martovites for transferring the question to the ground of squabbles.

Friday. We decide to introduce 11 new members into the League; in the evening at a private meeting with these "grenadiers" (as we jokingly called them) Plekhanov rehearses all the steps of how we will smash the Martovites utterly. A scene. Thunderous applause.

Saturday. The CC reads its statement on the non-confirmation of the League's rules and on the illegality of the meeting (a statement previously discussed with Plekhanov down to the finest detail, to the letter). All our people walk out of the Congress amid the Martovites' cries of "gendarmes," etc.

Saturday evening. Plekhanov "caved in": he will not go for a split. He demands the start of peace negotiations.

Sunday (1.XI). I submit my resignation to Plekhanov in writing (not wishing to participate in such depravity as redoing the Party Congress under the influence of a foreign scandal; not to mention that even from a purely strategic point of view a stupider moment for concessions could not have been chosen)*.

3.XI. Starover informs Plekhanov, who has begun negotiations, in writing of the terms of peace with the opposition: 1) negotiations conducted by the editorial board of the Central Organ and the CC; 2) restoration of the old editorial board of *Iskra*; 3) co-optation into the CC in a number to be determined during negotiations. Cessation of co-optation into the CC from the moment negotiations begin; 4) two seats (sic!) on the Party Council; and 5) recognition of the legality of the League Congress.

Plekhanov is not dismayed. He demands that the CC give way (!!!). The CC refuses and writes to Russia. Plekhanov declares he will leave if the CC does not give way. I hand over to Plekhanov (6.XI) all editorial affairs, having become convinced that Plekhanov could give the Martovites not only the newspaper but the entire CC for nothing**.

The state of affairs: *Iskra* will hardly appear on time. The Martovites are exulting over their "victory." All our people (except two Axelrod maidens***, loyal to Plekhanov even in his Treulosigkeit****) are distancing themselves from Plekhanov and at a meeting (6 or 7.XI) tell him bitter truths (on the theme of "a second Isari").

Is it not fine? I will not go onto the editorial board, but I will write. Our people want to defend the CC as much as possible and continue intensive agitation against the Martovites — a correct plan, in my opinion.

Let Plekhanov leave: then the Party Council will hand *Iskra* over to a commission and convene an emergency Party Congress. Is it really possible to allow a foreign League, by a majority of 3-4 votes, to redo the Party Congress?? Is it proper, having carried the struggle to the greatest publicity and almost to a rupture, to beat a retreat and accept the peace terms dictated by the Martovites??

I would like to know your opinion.

I think that to act à la Plekhanov means to wreck the Party Congress and betray its majority.

* See *Works*, 5th ed., Vol. 8, p. 64. Ed.
** See this volume, pp. 316-317. Ed.
*** Referring to I. I. and L. I. Axelrod. Ed.
**** - treachery. Ed.