V. I.

Lenin

Yesterdaywe published newspaper reports about the contemplated formation of a
Cabinet consisting of Yermolov, Urusov, Nabokov, Heyden and others. [1]

Commenting on this list today, Rech says: “Evidently, the compilers of this
list included members of the Constitutional-Democratic Party only tentatively;
actually, the Constitutional-Democratic Party will take no part in a Cabinet of
this character.”

Thatis all very well, gentlemen of the Cadet

Party I But how does Rech know that the Constitutional-Democratic Party will take no part in such a
Cabinet?

Thereader will ask: What do you mean by “how does Rech know”? Is
not Rech the chief organ of the Cadets? Quite right. But in putting
that question we wanted to suggest that it is unbecoming , in the
highest degree unbecoming, for a party like the Constitutional-Democratic
Party, which has held congresses legally, predominates in the State Duma, and is
a wealthy, “enlightened” and liberal-minded party, to play
hide-and-seek. Is it not high time it was said that Rech is the
official and chief organ of that party? Is it not high time that the resolutions
of the Central Committee of the Cadet Party were published? One of two things,
gentlemen: Either your party has not officially discussed the question
of the kind of Cabinet it will “take part in In that case you should say
so plainly. In that case, Rech should speak on its own behalf, and not
on behalf of the Constitutional-Democratic Party, that is: “We are sure that the Constitutional-Democratic Party will not take part”,
etc.

Or your party has officially discussed this question. In that case you
should publish the minutes of that discussion, otherwise your silence proves
that you are conducting secret negotiations behind the backs of the people.

“Todaya more homogeneous list is being discussed,” says Rech
further, quoting only the names of Yermolov, Timiryazev, Heyden and Stakhovich,
that is to say, bureaucrats and Octobrists, but no Cadets. Thus,
negotiations have taken place . The Cadets were asked—perhaps
through the medium of the “Centre Party” in the Council of
State—will you take part in such a Cabinet? The Cadets answered: No, we
will not.

Isthat what happened, gentlemen? Have there been negotiations, or not? Did you
state your terms, or not? Did your terms refer exclusively to the
appointment of definite persons to the Cabinet, or did they also stipulate a
complete amnesty, guaranteed liberties, abolition of the Council of State, and
universal suffrage?

Untilthe Constitutional-Democratic Party officially gives full and absolutely
precise answers to these questions we shall not tire of repeating to the people:
Citizens, beware! Members of the party of “people’s freedom” are
conducting “unofficial” negotiations behind the backs of the people
with a view to selling the people’s freedom at a bargain price.

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Notes:
[1]
See pp. 38-39 of this volume.— Ed .