This is a very tragic moment. The enemy is approaching Petrograd, democratic forces are trying to resist, we are expecting bloodshed in the streets of the capital. Starvation can kill not only our government but the revolution itself. The masses are sick and exhausted. They have no interest in the Revolution. If the Bolsheviki start anything, that will be the end of the Revolution.
Chairman of the Central Executive Committee Fyodor Dan, a Menshevik, decides to skip the opening speech and proceed to the election of Presidium members.
As we speak, our comrades at the Winter Palace are under fire.
It is essential that both the government and the Council of the Republic take steps that clearly demonstrate to the people that these are the bodies that protect their interests, not the Bolsheviks.