V. I. Lenin

Speech to

Mobilised Worker Communists

Delivered From the Balcony of Moscow Soviet of Workers’ and Red Army Deputies

October 16, 1919

Newspaper Report (Lenin is greeted with stormy applause.)
Comrades, permit me to greet the workers of Yaroslavi and Vladimir
gubernias who have once again answered our call and given their
best forces for the defence of the workers’ and peasants’ republic. You know from the newspapers in which we
print the whole truth, concealing nothing, what new and ominous
danger is embodied in the capture of Ore! by the tsarist general
Denikin and the threat to Red Petrograd by Yudenich. But we regard
this danger, and we struggle against it, in the way we always
have-we appeal to the politically-conscious proletariat and
working peasantry to stand firm in defence of their gains.

The situation is extremely grave. But we do not despair, for we
know that every time a difficult situation for the Soviet
Republic arises, the workers display miracles of valour and by
their example encourage and inspire the troops and lead them on
to fresh victories.

We know that throughout the world, in all countries, the
revolutionary movement is growing, slower than we would like,
but definitely growing. We also know that the victory of the
working class throughout the world is certain.

Great as the sacrifices made by Russia are, greatly as she has
been tormented and mutilated, she is nevertheless fighting
persistently for the cause of all workers. The imperialists may
crush another republic or two, but they cannot save world
imperialism, for it is doomed and will be swept away by the coming
socialism.

That is why I greet you, workers of Vladimir and Yaroslavi
gubernias, in the firm conviction that you will, by your personal
example, strengthen the spirit of the Red Army and lead it to
victory.

Long live the workers and peasants!

Long live the world workers’ republic!