The Hood River glacier. (Hood River, Or.) 1889-1933, 1902-03-28
9(ood River Glacier
FRIDAY, MARCH %, 1902.
unele Saln,s New ChiIdren.

Hood River, March 25, 19O2.-Editor
Glacier: Within the last ten years near
" four million people have come from
across the seas to America, seeking to
better their condition. Many Of these
have grown to be some OF the best cit
izens in Uncle Sans domain; while
others have required much schooling to
bring them up to the American level OF
intelligence and ideas. Some Of the
best young people with whom we asso-
ciate are children of those who sought
a new home with US, and Uncle Sam
extends a welcome hand TO all who
mean we'll. 1t is quite likely the year
1902 will witness the largest influx Of
foreigners our country has ever known,
Notwithstanding past records. Among
all the new children none will be more
welcome than the Firms. Finland is
comparatively new source from which
to draw our people, and the circum-
stances which are sending these people
here are, from their point Of view at
least, mournful il not pathetic. In all
probability before many years nearly all
the Firms who can conveniently leave
their old homes will be with us. They
feel that their old land is no longer their
own. The Gar OF Russia has taken the
reins of government from the hands of
the Firms, and their native country is
no longer desirable to them. Not long
ago the last native Finn was made to
resign his Office in the department to
make room for the Russians, and every
ship that leaves Finland is laden with
people bound for Canada and the United
States. In 1909 Finland became de-
pendency Of Russia, but for many years
a fair measure Of personal and political
independence was allowed the Firms.
They were permitted for time to pre-
serve, at least in part, their ancient con-
stitution. The leading officers were ap-
pointed by the Gar, and the acts of the
legislature we're subject to his veto.
This the Firms endured without COM
plant. The Gar at length made up his
mind that a more complete rule on his
part was necessary, and the Firms were
subjected to military rule, by which the
old liberty was effectually swept away
and the country put on about the same
footing as that OF old Poland. Thus the
people feel that their individuality is
gone and their country is no more theirs.
The Firms are good race. Some trav-
elers say they resemble the Scotch peo-
pie. They are usually considered stub
born, at least by the Russians, but let
me tell what makes them so. The Cars
laws. Then again, the stubbornness
generally takes the form Of truthfulness
and answering honesty. They endure
privation with patience and are kindly,
law-abiding citizens and peaceful. AS a
rule they are pretty we'll educated, for
education has been general in Finland
for more than 50years. Under the COM
pulsory school system every child, be-
ginning at the age OF six years, has been
obliged to go to school. There are
thoughtful people in Europe who believe
that in a few years Finland will be de-
populated Of its old inhabitants, and it
is safe to say that there will be in many
Of the towns and cities Of America thous-
ands Of little folks from this far North
ern country. j. ID. HILLsTRoN.
Born in Finland in 1846. Nearly 54
years in America.