By Vestnik Kavkaza
Vestnik Kavkaza obtained a unique audio recording of a speech by the leader of the Kadet Party, Pavel Milyukov, in the 3rd State Duma of the Russian Empire in 1909. The audio was published on the internet with reference to historian Daria Timokhina from St. Petersburg. Apparently, Milyukov opposes the faction of nationalists of Shulgin or the extreme right wing.
Despite the opinion of some people about the party which I belong to, we dearly stand for the unity of the state. We think that the state is strong when national consciousness becomes common, when the population of the state is inspired by one goal and one ideal.
Gentlemen! Under what conditions is the appearance of a nation state possible? We have heard only one formula for the nation state: “Russia for the Russians!”
Gentlemen, I understand the pride of the nationalities who can say: “America for the Americans!” There is a wide landscape of state life, new norms of statehood continue the business which history ran in the past. When an American states “America for the Americans,” I understand that this is a motto of the future; I understand that a great force stands behind the motto.
Now I come to your motto: “Russia for the Russians.” You not only contradict the demands of our life, not only prevent our development into a united nation of the future, but also try to stop and destroy the development which was formed by history.
Maksudov, an MP, a Muslim, Tatar, he tells you: “I feel Russian; I am Russian!” And you respond to him: “Forget about being Russian! We won’t give you something which will enable you to love Russia!” What do you tell a Jew who changed his Jewish name into a Russian one? “We won’t let you be a member of the State Duma for this!” You are mocking the name Aaron, you prevent it from turning into Arkady.
Furthermore, following your policy, you should state: “Russia is for ethnic Russians only!” Well, gentlemen! This motto is not a motto of Russification, but a motto of dissolution. And those who speak from this stage about such proposals are guilty of the things which you try to accuse us of. They are not builders, but destroyers. They don’t unite, but dissolve Russia.
