This was true
even of the peasant congresses, though it was generally admitted that
the bulk of the peasantry was not consciously socialistic. Of all
the revolutionary bodies the peasant councils were clearly the least
representative. This was particularly true of the first alleged all-Russian
Peasant Congress. The peasantry, the great mass of the population, became
articulate very slowly. The non-socialist groups were striving to bring
about a more true expression of peasant views; and their moderate program
was making headway, though they found it difficult to compete with the
extremists, who made most generous promises. But the non-socialist groups
were beginning to take a stronger line, as they saw the experiments of the
extremists lead to disillusionment. They proposed to organize councils and
congresses of the non-socialist elements. This project was immediately
branded as counter-revolutionary by "revolutionary democracy." Perhaps to
ward off the contemplated move of the non-socialists, Kerensky issued a
general invitation for a state conference at Moscow of all parties, groups,
and organizations, at which the opinions of all could be expressed,
presumably for the guidance of the Coalition Government.
The Moscow Conference did in fact give to all organizations, Duma, Councils
of Workmen's and Soldiers' Deputies, the recently elected local-government
bodies, cooeperative and professional unions, in fact every group, socialist
and non-socialist, revolutionary and pre-revolutionary institutions, the
opportunity to express views.
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