German victory over
these countries would be the victory of the old over the new, and
if the democratic ideal is dear to you, you must wish success to
our Western Allies.
Indifference to the result of this war would be, for us, equal to
political suicide. The most important, the most vital interests of
the proletariat and of the laboring peasantry demand of you an
active participation in the defense of the country. Your watchword
must be victory over the foreign enemy. In an active movement
toward such victory, the live forces of the people will become
free and strong.
Obedient to this watchword, you must be as wise as serpents.
Although in your hearts may burn the flame of noble indignation,
in your heads must reign, invariably, cold political reckoning.
You must know that zeal without reason is sometimes worse than
complete indifference. Every act of agitation in the rear of the
army, fighting against the enemy, would be equivalent to high
treason, as it would be a service to the foreign enemy.
The thunders of the war certainly cannot make the Russian
manufacturers and merchants more idealistic than they were in time
of peace.
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