The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1899-03-29
RUsslANIzaTIoN OF FINLAND.

OF those exercises OF despOtic power that *l
exri-e the indignation OF the civilized world and
60 70 disprove the sincerity OF the Gar IN his sug-
ges+;, of disarmament which IS be the subject OF
an international conference at the Hague On Mon
a this subject was referred to in an extract from
newspaper called The Skandinaven, and IN brlel
communication published in The Call.
There has been no greater outrage recorded IN his
tory than the partition OF Poland in I772 between
Russia. Austria and Prussia. This disnemberment OF
an ancient kingdom which II was compelled formally
10 sanction in Izz8 was followed in 1893 by an add
toaI territorial grab by Russia and by Prussia. IN
1871. bv the treaty OF Vienna the entire robbery was
finally ratified Meanwhile the rebellion under
Kosciusko had been suppressed and that hero and
patriot captured by the Russians and subjected 10 such
barbarous and hunlilating treatment that the public
opinion OF civilized mankind was aroused and ex-
pressed in such form as the immortal lines OF Thomas
Campbell in his Pleasures OF Hope:
Hope for q season babe the world farewell
And Freedom shrfeked when Kosciusko fell
In principle the partition OF Poland not whit
more shameful than the present Russianization OF
Finland al the very moment when the Gar IS preach
ing the gospel OF universal peace. There are about
two millions OF the Firms occupying territory that
covers I44z2I square miles They are an ancient an
industrious and an intelligent people with large
and increasing commerce with agricultural resources
with diversified manufactures, and with rich and
attractive literature. Between 1872 and 178Q almost
simultaneously with the establishment OF the Ame-l-
can republic, their present constitution was formed
and perfected, and i included two principles dear TO
the American people namely the right OF self-taxa-
ton and complete religious liberation. The Gar OF
Russia Is the Archduke OF Finland and invested with
the power OF proclaing war and peace, OF pardoning
criminals and OF appointing officials exclusively from
the natives OF the country, and including Imperial
Senate OF eighteen members who constitute the local
government and by whom justice IS administered
In 1900, when Swedish Finland was annexed TO Rus
sia, the Gar. Alexander l. soemny pledged himself
TO maintain the religion laws, rights and privileges
Of each rank within the Grand Dukedorn OF Finland
unchanged in their full strength. This pledge was
renewed BY each OF his successors and by the present
Gar November g. 1884
This guarantee 10 the Finnish people, morally ex-
tending to all civilized nations the Gar has now by
an imperial ukase the exact terms OF which not
before US announced his determination causelessly
and treacherously 10 violate. Finland IS to be in
corporated as an integral part OF the Russian en-
pire and the term OF military service extended from
three to five years, under a highly centralized army
system. which 10 quote the language OF the London
Chronicle should have alienated and alarmed all the
lovers OF liberty in Europe To intensity this ar
bitrary extinction OF liberty and OF independence in
entire nation protesting QeegatOn OF rims were
refused an audience by the Gar, and it IS author
itatively announced that monster petition against the
act OF forcible dismemberment viii not even be en-
tertained.
Here is an object lesson in imperialism for the
benefit OF the American people 4 race possessed OF
some at least OF the most important elements OF self
government and for many generations trained in and
habuated 10 the exercise OF individual rights which
have made them strong and vigorous agents in mod
ern progress is suddenly and shaelessy reduced TO
condition more intolerable 10 them than seri-
dom was TO the Nuscovtes slavery to the Africans
Such an indication OF retrogression, IN the face OF
high-soundng manifesto against war IS an appalling
proof OF the inherent vciousnes OF autocac govern
rlent toward which some OF Our citizens tending
While an Emperor tortures the Films and the United
States purchases from Spain the right orcibly to &C
qire and to hold the Philippines, reflective and free
citizens will be apt to cherish with increased patriot
ism and with deeper love OF humanity the integrity
Of American institutions and regard the interests
Of peace as more safely resting in the charging
scope OF international arbitration than in sentimental
and diplomatic announcements OF suspicious origin
and conradiced by acts which speak lar louder than
words