Tchcheidze was elected president, Kerensky vice-president. The
deputies had been elected by the working-men of many factories and by the
members of Socialist organizations. It was not until the following day that
soldiers' representatives were added and the words "and Soldiers" added to
the title of the Council. At this first meeting the Council--a most
moderate and capable body--called for a Constituent Assembly on the basis
of equal, direct, and secret universal suffrage. This demand was contained
in an address to the people which read, in part:
To finish the struggle successfully in the interests of democracy,
the people must create their own powerful organization.
The Council of the Workmen's Deputies, holding its session in the
Imperial Duma, makes it its supreme task to organize the people's
forces and their struggle for a final securing of political
freedom and popular government in Russia.
We appeal to the entire population of the capital to rally around
the Council, to form local committees in the various boroughs, and
to take over the management of local affairs.
All together, with united forces, we will struggle for a final
abolition of the old system and the calling of a Constituent
Assembly on the basis of universal, equal, direct, and secret
suffrage.
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