The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1919-05-17

Imme mediately after Finland secured her independence from the oppres- sion of Russia. and especially after the Bolsheyist revolt had been sup pressed. a great movement for inn provements and reconstruction began to take form in all departments of national life. During the war and after its termination it became ap- parent that the liberty so dearly pur- chased must be safeguarded. and new plars must be worked out, and new relations created. The govern mont and the Diet realized this i'm Fortant duty, and have enthusiasti- cally commenced the work of build ing up d new Finland. to take steps for It's protection through improve ments in economic and social condi tions and for the arrangement of dip lomatic rela tions.
 The Military Establishment
 At the return of peace. it was plain that the recently won independence was insecure without a national mili- tary establishment. For this reason an army was raised under a universal military service law. by the terms of which every able-bodied man was subject to military service for stat ed period. under a draft arrange ment A standing army was provid- sd for. but it's permanent strength has not been definitely decided. but at present 1t numbers 3o.00O men, which strength will be maintained until the general condition in Europe indicate that domestic and foreign dangers have ceased to exist.
 In addition to the regular army. volunteer force. the protective leagues. has been organized for the af Tine protective league is a volunteer miii tary organization having branches in all the municipalities of the country. They are under the supervision of the government. which also furnishes arms and ammunition as well as the higher officers. Besides the military feature the aim of the movement is the fostering of good citizenship, love of country, and physical devel- opment. They carry out the func- tons of athletic clubs and a stimu late iuteres5 in all outdoor sports through various local district and na- tional contests
 Agriculture.
 The war showed that the develop neut in farming had been altogethec too one-sided. Dairying had sup planted to a large extent the diversi fed farming of other' days. The total amount of grain raised fin the coun- try was equivalent to only one-half of the requirements the other half fefng brought from without. The war demonstrated the sad plight of such n country in times when impor- tation is suddenly cut off. Fin lands supply was cut off, especially after America entered the war.
 For this reason it is to be expected that many changes will be, made in Finnish agricultural methods. to the end that sufficient grain can be raised to fill the domestic requirements. The government has undertaken the aid of new farmers and is encourag- ing the raising of rye by naming a minimum price for period of years, in much the same manner as our government here in the United States guaranteed the price of wheat In many other ways agriculture is being encouraged.
 Reform in Land Tenure.
 An important reform in land ten ure was brought about afer tue Bol- shevist revolt. when the Diet passed an act providing for the purchase of the land hy fPDanfS Nariad or