Chapter 3 of Collected Works of V. I. Lenin & Galiciana

Volume 5. May 1901 to February 1902

INDEX


  1. WHERE TO BEGIN. May 1901.

  2. straightaway   THE JOURNAL SVOBODA. Autumn 1901.

  3. straightaway   REVIEW OF HOME AFFAIRS. FAMINE. December 1901.

  4. straightaway   News from Galiciana: IVAN M. OBOLENSKY.
1. WHERE TO BEGIN.
(Iskra, 4. May 1901)

In conclusion a few words to avoid a possible misunderstanding. We have spoken continuously of systematic planned preparation, yet it is by no means our intention to imply that the autocracy can be overthrown only by a regular siege or by organized assault. Such a view would be absurd and doctrinaire. On the contrary it is quite possible, and much more probable historically, that the autocracy will collapse under the impact of one of the spontaneous outbursts or unforeseen political complications that threaten it from all sides constantly.1

1 This paragraph underscores Lenin's acumen, for the privation caused by Russia's participation in the First World War combined with a protest march by the women of St. Petersburg on New Style March 8, 1917, triggered the February Revolution.

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2. THE JOURNAL SVOBODA.1
(Autumn 1901. First published in 1936)

The popular writer leads his reader to profound thoughts, to profound study, proceeding from simple and generally known facts. With the aid of simple arguments or striking examples he shows the main conclusions to be drawn from those facts and arouses ever new questions in the mind of the thinking reader.

The popular writer does not presuppose a reader who does not think, who cannot or does not wish to think; on the contrary, he assumes a beginner's serious intention to use his head and aids him in his serious and difficult work—leads him, helps him over his first steps and teaches him to go forward independently.

1 Svoboda (meaning "Freedom") was a journal of the Economists published during 1901-02 in Switzerland. Only two issues appeared. The publication supported the anti-Iskra groups of Russia. The Svoboda group ceased to exist in 1903.

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3. REVIEW OF HOME AFFAIRS. FAMINE.1
(Zarya, 2-3. December 1901)

Prince Obolensky the Governor of Kherson Gubernia 2 immediately declared war upon all who dared to write or speak about the famine in Elizavetgrad or to appeal for public aid to the famine-stricken or to create private groups and invite private persons to organize such aid. Zemstvo doctors wrote to the newspapers stating that famine was raging in the uyezd, that people were ill and dying and that the "bread" they ate was something unbelievable, not deserving to be called bread. The governor launched a polemic against the doctors and published official denials.

1 Famine was a regular and widespread event in tsarist Russia. The following were years of famine: 1901-1902 (affecting 49 gubernias), 1905-1908 (19-29 gubernias) 1911-1912 (60 gubernias). According to various estimates, about 8 million people starved to death from 1901 to 1912. The government tried to conceal the scale of famine through press censorship and did not cease exporting on average 30% of Russia's grain to Europe. Faced with accusations of exporting grain in the middle of a famine, Minister Vyshnegradsky rejoined, "We'll go hungry, but we'll export it!" Czar Alexander II had allowed the Zemstvos, the Red Cross and other societies to aid the starving during the great famine of 1871, but Nicholas II curtailed the practice sharply and in 1911-1912 proscribed it altogether. D. N. Zhbankov the Chairman of the Pirogov Society wrote, “Diseases and cases of starvation, ruin and widespread poverty, mutilation of the moral character, robberies, arson, trafficking in children and themselves, suicides and complete physical and spiritual prostration—all this is what crop failures bring to Russia.” Finally in 1911 the tsarist government moved to import grain to allay hunger. Russian source: Home Archive's webpage entitled, "1896-1911. Famine and epidemics in tsarist Russia."

2 Kherson Gubernia was located in southeast Ukraine and included the cities of Kherson, Nikolayev and Odessa.

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4. IVAN M. OBOLENSKY
(News from Galiciana)

Ivan Mikhailovich Obolensky
Ivan M. Obolensky
August 13, 1902. El Correo Gallego, page 3.

An individual in Kharkov fired four shots at the Governor, Prince Obolensky, wounding him and a policeman.
September 3, 1902. El Regional, diario de Lugo, page 2.

The attempt on the life of Prince Obolensky originated in the death sentence emitted by the revolutionary committee of "Organization For the Struggle." The revolver used by the individual bore the following inscription, "Revenge For the spilled blood of the peasants! Death to the Imperial Executioner, enemy of the people!" Kharkov's police chief says that students belonging to some affluent families are involved in the conspiracy.
September 22, 1904. El Correo de Galicia, diario independiente de Santiago de Compostela, page 1.

Telegrams from St. Petersburgh report a great recrudescence of agitation in Finland's public opinion regarding the policies of the new governor, Prince Obolensky. His latest measures annulled Finland's privilege of minting its own currency. The decision has aroused so much anger that everything points to a fresh outbreak of troubles shortly.
September 24, 1904. El Correo Gallego, page 3.

A student in Odessa fired several shots at Prince Obolensky, wounding him. The perpetrator was arrested.
November 6, 1905. El Correo Gallego, page 2.

Prince Obolensky was appointed procurator of the Holy Synod.
November 16, 1905. El Correo Gallego, page 3.

The newspaper Helsingfors Posten claims being able to guaranty that Prince Sviatopolk-Mirsky will be named Governor General of Finland in substitution of Prince Obolensky whose resignation has been accepted.
May 12, 1906. El Correo Gallego, page 3.

Prince Obolensky was relieved of his post as procurator of the Holy Synod but retains his seat in the Imperial Council.
February 16, 1907. El Correo Gallego, page 3.

Reports from Russia's capital announce the divorce of President Witte's wife. She will marry Prince Obolensky.

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