The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1918-04-19

Of Finland, where bloody, civil
warfare has ragged, lies in the
same latitude as Greenland
and Alaska. 1t Is not small in size,
for Finland Is about as large as the
whole Of France. The Finlanders
themselves speak Of their land us
Suomen-maa, or Soumi. 1t is region
Of lakes and granite rocks, much Of 1t
desolate and water-logged, where
winter reigns supreme for from seven
to nine months In the year. At least
one-ninth of the surface is covered
with lakes and the greater part of the
rest Is forest. Less than one acre in
thirty is arabic. but somewhat larger
amount is suited for grazing.
We think of Greenland as a frozen
and desolate land, fit only for the
abode of the hardy Eskimos writes
Nevin O. Winter in the Christian Her
aid. And yet In Finland, in a severe
northern climate, has grown up
hardy and virile race. Perhaps it was
because only the sturdiest could sur
yiye under such conditions, for isola-
$on bred self-reliance and indus
try was necessary to existence. At
any rate the fact remains that
the Firms have developed civil
lization that is unique and of
interest. It is not surprising. to
one familiar with the Firms and
their history, to know that a republic
has been proclaimed. No people are
more truly democratic. Under the
autocratic rule Of the czars. Finland
maintained her democratic institu-
tions, and 1t was the only part Of Rus
sia where the traveller wa. free to
move about without having a 6emand
made almost daily for his passpo-@.
The Russian calendar, which is tfia>
teen days behind our own, was ig
bred, and in every way the public and
social customs differed from those of
BE Russians.
The Firms have always objected to
being elassed as Russians. OF Mon
golian descent, they were among the
earliest Of the Oriental races to cross
the Urals and descend upon the fertile
plains Of Russia. They were gradu-
ally driven to the inhospitable North
by successive waves Of immigration.
They are first cousins to the Magyars
OI OlStdht NouSiho VI viz
Turk, Like the Celts of Ireland, the
Firms were never able to establish an
independent state capable Of resisting
the external pressure Of Teuton, Slav
and Turk. In the twelfth century
they were brought under the sway OF
the rowing Vikings, who organized a
crusade to convert the heather Films.
Annexed by Russia.
Since then the country has been buf-
feted about between Sweden and Rus
sia. Peter the Great conquered part
Of II, but the entire country was not
annexed until one hundred and ten
years ago. Then 1t was really union
and not an unconditional surrender.
The Gar took the title Of Grand Duke
OF Finland, and as such he continued to
rule until the abdication Of Nicholas II.
The fundamental laws of the country
were officially recognized and con-
firmed by each succeeding autocrat,
although in recent years there had
been much encroachment on the rights
of the Independent Firms In the at
tempt at classification. For this rea-
son there has been great unrest for
more than tive decades.
Until 1898 Finland had not been re-
uuired to furnish soldiers for the I'M
periaI Russian army. In that year the
czar informed the Diet (Congress)
that the military service must be made
to conform to that Of the rest of the
empire. Finnish susceptibilities were
aroused, as this seemed but the open
ing wedge for the destruction Of all
their liberties. The people entered up
on campaign Of passive resistance.
Every man, woman and child dressed
In mourning on the Sunday succeeding
the manifesto. Bells were tolled In
the churches, and places Of. amuse-
ment were closed. Many thousands
emigrated to the United States.
Long Summer Days
During the long winters daylight
lasts only three or four hours. On
the shortest days It is even less. Then
It IL indeed, as most people think, a
land Of snow and ice. For three
months it IL 20 hot that the wealthy
residents seek summer resorts for
comfort. During that time 1t Is prac-
tically one long day. Not star Is to
be seen. and the appearance of time Of
lutumn frosts has arrived.