Page:Michael Farbman - Russia & the Struggle for Peace (1918).djvu/153



N recalling the first steps of the revolutionary democracy in their struggle for peace, we are carried away by two currents of feeling. One is a deep feeling of pride and joy at their almost prophetic clearness and foresight in realising the tasks that confronted the democracy of Russia and of the world. The other is a feeling of anger and sorrow at the united international reaction which destroyed all the hopes and efforts of new Russia.

Whatever may be the fate of Russia, however deplorable may be the situation of the revolutionary democracy in Russia to-day, however offensive and triumphant the slanderers of the Revolution, the noble utterances and acts of that young democracy of Russia will remain as a brilliant page in history. Openly and joyfully revolutionary Russia expressed the aspirations and hopes of the democracy of the world. Confident in the triumph of democracy, it addressed few and simple words about peace to the peoples at war. The Manifesto "To the Peoples of the World" which the Soviet of Workers and Soldiers issued on the 14th of March, exactly a fortnight after the Revolution, is an historical event. It was the first step in the great struggle for peace and democracy which is now being worked out slowly and painfully, and this step may proudly be recorded by history.

"Comrades! Proletarians and Workers of all lands!

"We, Russian workers and soldiers, united in the Petrograd Soviet of Workers' and Soldiers' Delegates, greet you heartily and send you the news of a great