p . .. Vanguard sections of the proletariat, holding the reins of state power, have by their example shown the mass of the working people during two whole years (a tremendous period for our exceptionally rapid rate of political development) a model of such devotion to the interests of the working people, of such energy. in the struggle against enemies of the working people ( exploiters in general and “proprietors” and profiteers in particular), of such firmness in difficult moments, of such selfless courage in rebuffing the brigands of world imperialism, that the power of the sympathy of the workers and peasants for their vanguard has by itselt proved capable of performing miracles.

For this is a miracle: the workers who experienced the unprecedented torments of famine, cold, ruin and devastation, not only retain their staunch morale, all their loyalty to Soviet Government, all the energy of self ^ sacrifice and heroism, but are also taking upon themselves, in spite of all their unpreparedness and inexperience, the burden of steering the ship of state! And this at a time when the storm is furiously raging. ...