... Is it true that there are conciliatory tendencies among prominent Pravda-ist workers, that one of them – a surname like Malinin or Dolinin – had a long talk about this with a staff member of the newspaper, the writer M. N.? It would be extremely important to know whether this is a trend and what kind, what is the essence, what are their conditions for unity, or is it an individual person and an accidental fantasy.

Regarding Plekhanov in his “Yedinstvo,” we must immediately adopt the tone that a major theoretician, with enormous merits in the struggle against opportunism, Bernstein, and the philosophers of anti-Marxism – a man whose mistakes in tactics in 1903–1907 did not prevent him in the hard years of 1908–1912 from singing the praises of the “underground” and exposing its enemies and opponents – now, unfortunately, is once again turning his weak side. The complete lack of clarity in his thinking may be caused in part by his complete lack of information: and the lack of clarity lies in whom he wants unity with – the Narodniks (see “Sovremennik,” where the Messrs. Gimmer are already flaunting his name)? or with the Liquidators of “Nasha Zarya” and Mr. Potresov, and on what conditions? And, having posed these questions,

I. F. ARMAND. JULY 1914

calmly state: the reader is hardly likely to receive a clear answer to these natural questions. For it is known from the literature that it is precisely these questions that are unclear to Plekhanov. Once again greetings, congratulations on the enormous success (only economy, economy!!!) and best wishes.

Contributor to “Put’ Pravdy”

It is necessary to change the tone of the newspaper before the Vienna Congress. A period of struggle has come. Hit the insolent members of the little groups with all your might, mercilessly cut short their attempt at disorganization. They dare to split 4/5!!* Drop me a line, are we in agreement? When are you letting it go?

And we must attack both the Liquidators and the little groups as strongly as possible at once: 40,000 must know our firm opinion. Our duty is to ridicule the adventurists...

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Written in June, later than the 18th,

Sent from Poronin to Petersburg

First published on April 22, 1962 in the newspaper Pravda No. 112

Printed from the manuscript