The third task of our financial policy boils down to the introduction of labor conscription and the registration of the propertied classes.

Old capitalism, based on free competition, has been finally killed by this war – it has given way to state capitalism, monopoly capitalism. The advanced countries of the West: England and Germany have, in connection with the war, proceeded to the strictest accounting and control of all production; they have introduced labor conscription for the nonpropertied classes, while creating a multitude of loopholes for the bourgeoisie. We must make use of the experience of these countries, but begin by introducing labor conscription in the first instance not for the poor, who have already made sufficient sacrifices on the altar of war, but for the propertied, those who have grown rich from the war.

On the agenda is the implementation of labor taxes – budget books first and foremost for the bourgeoisie, so that it becomes visible what share of work each of them bears for the benefit of the country. Control must remain in the hands of local Soviets. With respect to the poor, this measure is completely unnecessary at the present time, inasmuch as they are already obliged to work sufficiently – moreover, the trade unions will take all measures to raise labor productivity and to introduce labor discipline.

A comprehensive census of the propertied population, a law obliging the wealthy to maintain labor, tax, and budget books – this is the task we must resolve in the first instance. This question must be worked out practically and concretely. This measure will make it possible to shift the burden of taxes, as justice demands, onto the wealthy.