Collected Works of V. I. Lenin - Vol. 26 - From Marx to Mao

THE CRISIS HAS MATURED83of both capitals would be to lose, and justly lose, everyounce of the peasants’ confidence. In the eyes of thepeasants we would be putting ourselves on a level withthe Lieberdans and other scoundrels.To “wait” for the Congress of Soviets would be utter idiocy,for it would mean losing weeks at a time when weeks and evendays decide everything. It would mean faint-heartedlyrenouncing power, for on November 1-2 it will have becomeimpossible to take power (both politically and technically,since the Cossacks would be mobilised for the day of theinsurrection so foolishly “appointed”*).To “wait” for the Congress of Soviets is idiocy, for theCongress will give nothing, and can give nothing!“Moral” importance? Strange indeed, to talk of the“importance” of resolutions and conversations with theLieberdans when we know that the Soviets support thepeasants and that the peasant revolt is being suppressed!We would be reducing the Soviets to the status of wretcheddebating parlours. First defeat Kerensky, then call theCongress.The Bolsheviks are now guaranteed the success of theinsurrection: (1) we can** (if we do not “wait” for theSoviet Congress) launch a surprise attack from three points—from Petrograd, from Moscow and from the Baltic fleet;(2) we have slogans that guarantee us support—down withthe government that is suppressing the revolt of the peasantsagainst the landowners! (3) we have a majority in thecountry; (4) the disorganisation among the Mensheviksand the Socialist-Revolutionaries is complete; (5) weare technically in a position to take power in Moscow (wherethe start might even be made, so as to catch the enemyunawares); (6) we have thousands of armed workers andsoldiers in Petrograd who could at once seize the WinterPalace, the General Staff building, the telephone exchange* To “convene” the Congress of Soviets for October 20 in orderto decide upon “taking power”—how does that differ from foolishly“appointing” an insurrection? It is possible to take power now, whereason October 20-29 you will not be given a chance to.** What has the Party done to study the disposition of the troops,etc? What has it done to conduct the insurrection as an art? Meretalk in the Central Executive Committee, and so on!