In Soviet Russia

Summary

This visible section presents a first-person account of visits to Nizhni-Novgorod and Kiev in Soviet Russia. At the All-Russian Peasant Fair, the writer observes the fair’s long-standing role in trade between Europe and Asia, the presence of Asian exhibitors and traders, and the predominance of peasants and artisans among the public. The account also highlights the revolutionary state’s promotion of workers from the industrial masses into administrative and organisational roles, while acknowledging the loss of some members of the intelligentsia after the revolution.

The section then examines tensions between Communist theory and economic practice through the continued use of brokers at the fair, whose commissions are described as a necessary but temporary evil. Kiev is presented as prosperous, clean, Western in character, and especially enthusiastic about the Soviet regime. The writer describes newspapers produced by the Young Communists, sanatoria and other social, recreational, and health institutions, and a lively exchange with young Russian workers about Indian labour conditions. The closing exchange exposes disagreements over Communist and Labour Party identities, with the visitors invoking British socialist and labour figures to defend the possibility of a non-Communist socialist position.

Key points

• The Nizhni-Novgorod Fair is portrayed as an international commercial gathering linking Europe and Asia.
• Peasants and artisans form the majority of the fair’s public, while cooperative societies and state stores shape everyday trade.
• The writer sees the revolution as drawing previously neglected talent from the popular masses into public responsibilities.
• The continued presence of brokers at the fair is presented as a practical compromise within Communist economic theory.
• Kiev is described as prosperous, clean, Western in character, and strongly committed to the Soviet regime.
• Young Communist newspapers are shown as a means of spreading political news among children and families.
• Sanatoria and other social, recreational, and health institutions are presented as important achievements of the Soviets.
• Discussions with young Russians about India lead to a debate over workers’ exploitation, political organisation, and the Labour Party.