Page:Lenin - The Soviets at Work (1919).pdf/20

18 and we are backward for no other reason than this—that accounting and control, in general, are not sufficiently organized. Of course, this problem is one of the most difficult, and with the economic disorganization produced by the war, its solution must take a long time, and it should not be overlooked that just here the bourgeoisie—and especially the numerous petty and peasant bourgeoisie—gives us a good deal of trouble, disturbing the establishment of control; disturbing, for instance, the grain monopoly, gaining opportunities for speculation and speculative trade. What we have already decreed is yet far from adequate realization, and the main problem of today consists precisely in concentrating all efforts upon the actual, practical realization of the reforms which have already become the law, but have not yet become a reality.

In order to continue further the nationalization of the banks and to move steadily toward the transformation of the banks into centres of social bookkeeping under Socialism, we must first of all be successful in increasing the number of branches of the People's Bank, in attracting deposits, in making it easier for the public to deposit and withdraw money, in removing the possibility of panics, in discovering and executing the grafters and crooks, etc. We must first actually accomplish the simplest tasks, organize well what is already in our possession—and only then prepare for the more complex.

We must improve and regulate the state monopolies in grain, leather, etc., which we have already established—and thereby prepare for the state monopolization of the foreign trade; without such a monopoly we will not be able to "get rid of" foreign capital except by the payment of a "tribute." Whatever possibility of Socialist Construction exists, depends on whether we shall be able to protect our internal economic independence during the transition period by paying some "tribute" to foreign capital.

We are also extremely backward in the collection of taxes in general, and of wealth and income taxes in