V. I.

Lenin

The Third Congress of the R.S.D.L.P.

April 12 (25)-April 27 (May 10), 1905

Speech on the Attitude Towards the Government’s Tactics on the
Eve of the Revolution

April 18 (May 1)

We are in a quandary. We have three resolutions and three amendments. The
resolutions are growing in number and scope, and this process is not being
regulated in any way. The subject has proved to be broader than the speaker who
made the report anticipated. We shall have to refer the resolution back to the
committee, although Comrade Sergeyev [1] evidently ridicules this proposal. The question of open action was touched upon by all the
speakers. The report was appropriate to the subject, but needs amplifying. On
the question of participation in the societies opinion is divided. The Congress
cannot lay down a hard and fast rule on this point. All methods should be used
for agitation. The experience of the Shidlovsky Commission gives no grounds
whatever for a downright negative attitude. Some say that there is nothing new
in the resolution. A good thing bears repeating again and again. Comrade Zimin’s
view is too rigid. It is impossible to reply categorically whether it is
advisable to participate. in the Zemsky Sobor. Everything will depend on the
political situation, on the electoral system, and on other specific factors
which cannot be estimated in advance. Some say that the Zemsky Sobor is a
fraud. That is true. But there are times when we must take part in elections to
expose a fraud. We can give nothing more than a general directive. I repeat, in
my opinion all the resolutions should be referred back to the committee, the
membership of which should be enlarged.

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Notes:
[1]
Sergeyev—A. I. Rykov.