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44 for two and a half years, or even for two and a half months. It is clear that, in practice, this closest connection means very complicated and varied work in the form of propaganda, agitation, conferences—held often and at the right time, not only with the leading but also with the generally influential Trade Union workers; it also means a determined struggle against the Mensheviks, who still have a certain, though quite a small, number of adherents, whom they teach various counter-revolutionary tricks, such as lending moral support to the cause of (bourgeois) democracy, preaching the “independence” of Trade Unions (independence of the proletarian State!) and even sabotage of proletarian discipline, etc., etc.

The connection with the “masses” through Trade Unions we admit to be insufficient. Practice in the course of the revolution has given rise to non-party workers’ and peasants’ Conferences, and we endeavor by every means to support, develope [sic], and extend such institutions in order to maintain a close contact with the disposition and state of mind of the masses, to respond to their inquiries, to push forward the best of their workers to take positions in State institutions, etc., etc. In one of the last decrees concerning the transformation of the People’s Commissariat for State Control into the “Workmen’s and Peasants’ Inspection,” non-party Conferences of this kind are given the right to elect members to the State Control for various sorts of State inspections.

Then, of course, all the work of the Party is done through the Soviets, which unite the laboring masses irrespective of the difference of their trade or profession. The County (Uyezd) Congresses of Soviets are a democratic institution such as has never yet been seen in the most advanced bourgeois republics. Through these Congresses, whose proceedings are followed by the Party with very careful attention, as well as through the constant delegation of class-conscious workmen to occupy various positions in the countryside, the city fulfils [sic] its function of leading the peasantry. Thus is carried out the dictatorship of the proletariat, and the systematic struggle against the rich, exploiting, and speculating peasantry.