New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-26
FINNISH DIET OPENED.
THE EMPEROR CHEERED.
Speeches in Three Languages-The
Scenes an HeLsingfOrs.

Helsngfors. May 25-The first single cham
Der Diet of Finland was formally opened in this
city this afternoon. Governor General Gerhard,
representing Emperor Nicholas read the speech
from the throne, which was short and color
less address merely exhorting the new parlla-
rnent To labor diligently in the interests Of the
grand duohy
Ia reply. the president OF the Diet. Judge
Svinhufvud, made an address in which, after
abiding TO the passing Of the hated Bobrikof
system of government. he said that the Diet
always would be guided by the principle of re-
spect for the rights of Finland and the full res
toration of the ancient and legal status of tae
duchy
The opening ceremonies were held in a new
hail built especially for the purpose, which was
completed only yesterday. They were preceded
by 2 service in the Nicholas Church. The mem
beers Of the Diet according 10 ancient custom
marched foot from the hall Of meeting to the
church and from the church to the palace 4
touch Of quaintness was impaired u the process
sion by the white caps Of the peasant women
Deputies. The male Deputies having academic
degrees wore head coverings resembling silk
hats encased in baggy coverings Of red or brown
silk. and the large number II these in the rro
Cessiou vas an indication Of the high ayera,ra
ed~caton Of the Deputies The newly, elected
legislators wore neither uniforms nor decora-
tions. but the members Of the Senate were re-
sp-eHdent IN gold trimmed frock coats. cooked
hats and epaulets
There vas general holiday in Helslngfors
and All the stores. factories and schools we're
closed Nearly the entire population Of the city
gathered in or around the church to watch the
coming and the going Of the Deputies There
were no breaches OF the peace. perfect order
being maintained ny one hundred Finnish police
men Governor General Gerhard dispensed with
thu customary escort. The Russian garrison in
tha fortress took no part in the ceremony he
You'd mounting guard Of honor in front Of the
palace
Three languages, Finnish. Swedish and Rus
sian. we're employed i'm the ceremonies # to-
day. hut the place Of honor was given 70
Finnish President Svinhufvud delivered his 70
Fly 70 the Governor General entirely in that
tongue. The services in the church came 70 a.,
end with a sermon in Finnish b. Deputy MaIoi-
vaara. which was subsequently repeated in
s7ge5 -. The speech from the throne was in
Russian. but Finnish and Swedish TRANSACTIONS
Of il were at once read by NJ Michelin, the
senior q the Senator'S. The speech from the |
throne was as follows:
u socordance with the manifesto Of Novem- |
tosal law for Finland Were elaborated and on |
he basis Of this constitution and law the first |
regular DIT Is opened to-day. ] greet YOU I
ne chosen reprssz natives u me Finnish people |
! -ooH LOT irultI1l !a'cr from you and stead |
:ast fuihnlenr II the duties imposed upon You. |
Nay your successful activity assist in confirm |
ing the principal reforms which 'alTeady have |
'ern accomplished New measures which will !
affect m lives # the people in widely differing
~ays Til he loit before you for consideration /
some during This session and others al other !
Zines before the expiration II your mandates
Invoking the blessing Of the Most High on |
YOU and your laleOrs. ! declare this Diet open.
IN reply President svfnhufvud said: