The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-11-23
A GLANCE AT FINLAND.
Interesting View OF the Country Cob
bied by Russia.

Finland is the northernmost country OF
Europe. IL is compelled 10 combat with
a rough climate and a stubborn, granite
soil, thinly covered with earth. 1t is fu.
of seas, swamps and morasses; and its
situation in the farthermost corner Of
the Baltic makes it somewhat inacCessi-
bic to commerce.
Still, despite all these obstacles, Finland
to-day is entitled to rank with the most
advanced nations OF Europe. IL may
boast of a very extensive commercial
and industrial development and Of an
excellent educational system. 1t particle
patcs il every department Of scientific
research, and has produced a number Of
distinguished painters and sculpt0rs.
Particularly noteworthy. however are its
achievements in the field Of poetry. The
dialect verse of this country IS especially
rich and varied, and has obtained a wide
celebrity during the past century; the
most distinguished representative in this
department being the indefatigabe LOnn-
rot who in 1885, published the national
epic 'Kaewala" and, at a somewhat
later date. a collection Of lyrics and bal
lads entitled "Kanteletar"
Nor has the Swedish element of Fin
land been inactive. Runeberg OS0i-1sSO
who may be considered the national poet
par excellence. wrote in Swedish; and
in the personality Of this writer we find
the two national elements Of the country
admirably blended Although Swedish
by education and training Runeberg was
very closely identified with the popular
spirit and his poetry Is a faithful por-
traiture Of land and people. Runeberg
was a scholar entirely devoid of pedantry
lie was not book-worm. but a master
Of sport, whose leisure hours were de-
voted to travel yachting, fishing and
hunting
lie is said also TO have displayed re-
markahe skill In tanning and training
animals. With such qualifications he be.
came enabled to mirror forth. in all its
clearness and distinctness the deep. grave
and silent nature of his native lGnd-the
illimitable forests. countless lakes. the
rigorous winter and beautiful. though
brief summer, the conflict between light
and mist, and many other characteristic
features of that northern land. Not less
faithful was his portrayal Of the life Of
the people-their hard toll, stout cndur-
ance of hardship. amiable humor I'M
wavering fidelity. manly bravery. and,
above all. their enthusiastic patriotism.
This patriotism has. perhaps, found its
highest expression III hhhebefb ccie-
brated song, "Our Country" This lyric
has become the national anthem Of Fin
land, ana is always sung standing. De
spite various changes in the external cir
cumstances Of the country the poems Of
Runeberg still afford the most faithful
picture OF Finnish life and manners.
Upon the whole. the internal develop
ment Of the country. during the present
century affords a very gratifying gpec-
tacle. We behold a people boldly self
reliant and hardly independent, overcom-
ing all unfavorable conditions people
richly endowed and very energetic ex-
clusively engaged in cultivating the arts
Of peace and vieing In this regard with
the greatest nations OF the earth We
note continuous progress and rapid de-
velopment of prosperity and culture.-The
Forum.