New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-06-17
IFlNNS' GOVERNOR SHOT.
HIS ASSASSIN Il SUICIDE.
Tragedy Outcome of attempt at
classification of Finland.

ST Petersburg June 16.-General BobrikoH.
Governor General of Finland, was shot ana
MORALLY wounded this morning at the entrance
70 the Finnish Senate at Helsingfors. The gen.
ersI was shot in. the stomach ana neck. He
was taken to q hospital in Eelsingfors.
The ASA ssin q man named Schaunlann, a son
Of Senator scha umann, immediately committed
suicide The attack is ascribed to Finnish
patriotisr1 as Schaunlann is believed TO have
been a member of what is known as the Finnish
Patriotic Party. While little is lnoNn here con-
corning the immediate motives Cor schaumann's
act the authorities entertain 10 doubt that it
grew out OF opposition 10 the policy OF the Rus
Eihcation OF Finland.
The question OF the convocation of the Diet
which Is regarded one OF the most vital in
stitutioa.s OF Finnish national e. and which has
not been convoked for over a year. aroused
much feeling. General Bobrikof was at first
opposed to the convocation Of the Diet. but. on
account OF the recent Improvement In the situs-
ton in Finland, especially since the outbreak Of
the war; and because OF the resolutions of 10y
elty to the Emperor and approving the conduct
OF the war, which We're passed by the Senate
tie Governor General had decided TO recommend
that the Diet should be allowed TO meet. The
question 10 be definitely settled by his
majesty on June %.
The following statement has been authorita-
lively made:
In view OF the attempt on the life of Governor
General Bobr1kOff, the decision Of the Emperor
win probably be against the oonVocation of the
Diet so that the people OF Finland as well as
the Governor General, shall be COMPELLED TO suf-
fer. instead of benefit. by Schaumann's crime
General Bohrikon, administrator was natu-
rally unpopular with that portion Of the popula-
ton which opposed the policy OF classification
he was personally naughty and austere and
ruled firmly, but justly. The malcontents in
Finland comprise hardly One-seventh OF the
population. and are made up mostly OF Swedes
The mass OF the Films themselves are content,
S they undeIetand the purpose of the measures
taken for the unihcation OF the empire, but some
OF the Finnish papers have been extremely hos
tile In their attitude and the indignities some
times offered 10 the Russian officers necessiated
whatever repressive measures Governor Gen
eral BobrikoR may have been compelled to EN-
ploy.
OF late better disposition has been mani
tested toward General BObrikoff and the Rus
sian administration, owing 10 better under
standing and 10 the knowledge that the Gov
ernor General favored meeting Of the Diet.
Last December an attempt made the
life OF the Chief Of Police at Helsingfors.
Schaumann was & university student and
member Of the Nationalist party. His father
two years ego protested in the Senate against
the policy OF the Russian government In Fin
land.
General Count Bobrikorr appointed Governor
General Of Finland IN April. 1884, and after
ward distinguished himself by his severity. He be-
gan campaign against the Finnish press by sup
pressing Of the most important newspapers IN
Finland and suppressing another newspaper fof
three months which aroused considerable feeling.
This was in 1902. IN March Of that year Bobrikoff
Was said 10 have been shot three times by soldier
but the report denied.
Soon afterward BobrtkoH took steps 10 place a
check emigration from Finland by foroiodlns
the issuance OF foreign passports 70 B1nlanders
who haa not finished their military service IN
April the same year serious disturbances occurred
at Helsingfors. Out of So recruits called 10 the
colors from The Helsingfors District under new
Finnish army edict, only hfty-six appeared, and
Toting occurred. The police were Jeered and there
ironcal cheering OF certain Senators who hac
shown yielding attitude in regard to-the Russian
policy toward Finland.
At the request Of one OF the Senators, the Gov
ernor Of Helsingfors ordered out detachment Of
COssacks in garrison there, and. il was asserted
at the time, q scene ensued such never before
had been witnessed in Finland. Cossacks charged
the crowds vigorously, and four companies OF In
fantry were called out to guard against fresh dis
orders al the factory closing hour The populace
then resorted window fighting throwing FIRE
wood. YttriO bottles etc, the heads OF the sol
diers. II was not until the next morning that
In April, 1903 il was announced that Emperor
Nicholas had signed decree investing the general
smtboTfiss n W 55S5 1i,aI 95g1Lr5["rr BEGAN
the exercise OF his new authority by ordering the
evaded congcriIJ1ion FURTHER Dover il appears was
later vested in BODrlkon by decree empowering
him. when he deemed il necessary, 10 close hotels,
shops and factories 10 prohibit private meetings,
land all persons who were considered undesirable
The last recorded act OF General Bobrikor was
March Z6 last, saving that the Governor General
the people TO darken their windows unusual
hours People who chose 70 go to bed before 10
o'clock at night were subjected 10 heavy fines.
This proclamation II was added, Was due 70 the
neglect OF the Firms 10 illuminate their houses in
honor OF the beginning Of the with Japan.