Collected Works of V. I. Lenin - Vol. 16 - From Marx to Mao

16V. I. LENINPlekhanov’s Dnevnik appears. Its author shows the wholecontent of liquidationist ideas in the article published inGolos No. 15, without the slightest reservation on the partof the editors (and moreover in an article expressing entirelythe same views as those of the editors). Plekhanov quotesin this connection the letter of the Vyborg comrades andsays: “This letter shows us how the broad workers’ organisationsare at times influenced by people who have desertedour Party on the pretext of ‘new’ work” (Dnevnik, p. 10). Itis just this “pretext” that has always been put forward byGolos! “Such influence,” Plekhanov continues, “is by nomeans a Social-Democratic influence; it is in spirit absolutelyhostile to Social-Democracy” (p. 11).And so, Plekhanov quotes the letter of the Vyborg comradesagainst No. 15 of Golos Sotsial-Demokrata. We ask thereader: in point of fact, who is it that is “pretending”? WasProletary “pretending” when it accused Golos of liquidationism,or was “Golos” pretending when it denied that it hadany connection with liquidationism.The literary dishonesty of the editorial board of Golos hasbeen exposed, and exposed by Plekhanov, who until recentlywas one of its members.But this is by no means all.In Golos No. 15 (June 1909), in an article signed F. Dan,we find a statement that Pravda’s 6 reputation for non-factionalismprotects it “from stupid and unscrupulous accusationsof liquidationism” (p. 12). One could not put it moreforcefully. It would be difficult to show on one’s countenancea more lofty, nobler indignation at Golos being accused ofliquidationism.Plekhanov’s Dnevnik appears. The author shows thewhole content of liquidationist ideas in one of the articlesof Golos No. 15 and declares to the Mensheviks who sharethose ideas: “Why are you offended at the charge of liquidationismwhen in fact you are very much guilty of thissin?” (p. 5). “Comrade S. 7 [the author of the article in GolosNo. 15 examined by Plekhanov]* not only can but must be* Interpolations in square brackets (within passages quoted byLenin) have been introduced by Lenin, unless otherwise indicated.—Ed.