(Stormy applause.) Today we are celebrating, comrades, May 1st with proletarians throughout the world, thirsting for the overthrow of capital. This Execution Place reminds us how many centuries the laboring masses have suffered and endured grievously under the yoke of oppressors, for the power of capital could never maintain itself except through violence and outrage, which even in times past provoked rebellions. This monument represents one of the representatives of rebellious peasantry. On this very spot he laid down his head in the struggle for freedom. Many sacrifices have been made in the struggle against capital by Russian revolutionaries. The best people of the proletariat and peasantry, fighters for freedom, have perished—but not for that freedom which capital offers, freedom with banks, with private factories and plants, with speculation. Down with such freedom!—we need real freedom, possible only when the members of society are workers alone. Much labor, many sacrifices will have to be made for such freedom. And we shall do everything for this great cause, for the realization of socialism. (Stormy applause.)

"Evening News of the Moscow Soviet" No. 230, May 2, 1919

Printed from the text of "Evening News of the Moscow Soviet"