147. To P. N. LEPESHINSKY

Written August 29, 1905 in Geneva (local mail) · First published in 1931. Printed from the original. · page 333

At the request of Comrade Vas. Vas. I am explaining the passage he indicated in my decision (that people can be found who do their work badly, but who are eager to gossip about the shortcomings of others). The suggestion that I meant to accuse someone, etc., is without grounds. Every Party worker has his shortcomings and drawbacks in the work, but we must be careful that criticism of short comings or their examination at the central Party bodies does not overstep the boundary where tittle-tattle begins. The whole point and substance of my decision are meant to serve as a warning and a request that an immediate stop be put to a matter that has been wrongly and badly begun.

N. Lenin