Does not the whole history of socialism, particularly of French socialism, which is so rich in revolutionary striving, show us that when the working people themselves take power in their hands the ruling classes resort to unheard-of crimes and shootings if it is a matter of protecting their money-bags.

"Report on the Activities of the Council of People's Commissars" (24 January 1918); Collected Works, Vol. 26, pp. 459-61.