This task, the labor, of directing the forces of young Russia occupied
two whole years of my life. It is true I succeeded in the meantime
in visiting America, where I was urgently called by the friends of
freedom. I sent out from there considerable sums of money to cover the
expenses of the organization, mainly for literature, the import of
which into Russia was very expensive. In the United States I acquired
many genuine friends, who have remained faithful to me ever since. They
proved it by profuse attention to all my needs during the last years of
my exile and imprisonment, and from 1907 to 1917 they never ceased even
for a week to take care of me.
When the blows of the open struggle of 1905 had reached me I again
crossed the boundary into my country, but this time I passed it on
foot, running across in the company of two "contrabandists" and a
comrade who carried with him a supply of dynamite.
That was the Russian revolution marching, challenging all Russia to an
unequal combat.
Everybody knows the events of 1905, 1906 and 1907. The efforts of the
revolutionists of all parties were unable to withstand the physical
force of the evil government, but they have not only shaken up the
paralyzed mind of the great people, but enticed them into demonstrating
their power and seeing themselves as a victor, though temporarily. The
combat was already nearing its end; the banners were already lowered
and hidden for the next spiritual and physical upheaval; already the
executioners were hanging and slaughtering, shooting and torturing the
best champions of freedom; but my spirit was yet far from submission,
my heart was still heaving with hope, and with head forward I threw
myself into the thick of events. After the wreck of the second Duma I
anticipated a new outburst of indignation on the part of the people.
But apparently the cup of doubts had not yet been exhausted, and the
people ponderingly looked into the future, not risking to sacrifice
their remaining feeble forces.