Evening star., 1944-08-07
ar-Weary Finland
Turns 10 Mannerhein1
Aqain for Salvation
BY TRUDI MCCULLOUGH,
Associated Press Stan Writer.

0y AxtoO1
Associated Press Stan Writer.
NEW YORK, Aug. with Field
Marshal Baron Carl Gustav Emil
Won Mannerheim's assumption of the
presidency, Finland has turned
again, as she did after the World
War, to her No. soldier for saliva
ton.
The 77-year-old aristocrat who is
"a little Of the tycoon, a little of the
scientist, great deal of the rebel" +"
is reported to be the only man, save
one, not too compromised with Ger
many to resume peace negotiations
with Moscow. Such a resumption is
the general Interpretation of his ap-
pointment.
1t could not be accomplished so
long as President Risto Ryti re-
manned in power. He had made q
pact with Germany to sign no sep
arate peace, but had, however, neg
lected to consult parliament about
It; II his resignation could be
brought about, his personal treaty
automatically would be invalidated.
Called in New Crisis.
The times were too critical for a
common election. Mr.. Ryti re-
signed because Of ell health" and
Marshall Mannerheim was called
to the presidency by parliament.
Two unconfirmed reports followed
almost Immediately: The Kremlin
had given assurance that request
for an armistice would be con-
sidered, and German troops were
being evacuated from Finland.
The man who overnight had
juggled Filland's future was the
third of eight children born into
an ancient and wealthy family.
The marshall's mother once wrote
to friend, II can feel secure about
all the rest of my children, but what
In Heavens name Is going to be-
come of Gustav?"
What became of Gustav was the
fate of nation.
From childhood, he was patterned
as soldier. At 8 he was run down
by sleigh. as he led his playmates
in SNOWFALL battle The Mortified
driver hurried to ask who he was.
II am general Of the third grade" !"
snapped young Mannerheim and
rushed of to continue the attack.
At IL he entered military school.
Not until he was so, were his life
and deeds identified with Finland.
His first half century was spent on
the training ground of Russia.
Russia ruled Finland as a Grand
Duchy. 1t was no more extraordinary
for the Baron to join the Cars
Chevalier Guard than for an Aus
tralian to serve in the British Army.
Rose Rapidly at Court.
His striking looks, his unique
horsemanship, and his instant grasp
of military tactics = I" sent him up
ward like a rocket In the court of
the Gar" So said biographer.
His advancement was even more
rapid after his marriage to the
daughter Of a major general In the
Cars suite.
Baron Mannerheim distinguished
himself In the Russo-Japanese war,
came out OF 1t a colonel with three
decorations and marked as a coming
man In 1905, he headed a sort Of
glorified espionage mission that took
his party $3.50 miles on horseback
to Peking He was to gauge the
effect of Russia S lost war on hostile
sections and pick up useful military
data for possible future use. On his
own account he included scientific
investigation.
In the World War he fought for
Russia as a major general He dis
obeyed orders so successfully in
covering a divisions retreat that he
received the order of st. George and
a special citation for insubordina-
ton.
Revolution in Russia. in 1917, gave
Baron Mannerheim back to the
Firms. He arrived home to find the
Reds, and the Whites pitted against
each other there, too.
Led War on Reds.
He was named commander In
chief of the White Guard. With
the aid of German-trained Firms
and a German division, he put down
the Reds in one of the bloodiest civil
wars in history
Resenting German domination Of
his country's new freedom he with
drew from public life, only to be
recalled as Regent when the Finnish
government belatedly realized he
alone could set things right with
the victorious Allies.
Defeated for the presidency by
peaceful professor in 1918, War
Leader Mannerheim devoted the
years between Finland's crisis to
philanthropy for children and writ
ing four books on national defense,
one for each season of the year
He organized a civic guard, sent
young officers abroad to train, was
named president of the council of
defense, upper the defense budget,
became Finland's first field marshal
and supervised the building of the
Mannerheim Line
When war with Russia came In
1889 Marshal Mannerheim took
charge. Finland went to defeat
echoing MS words: 1--WE shall fight
to tho 10 WAN orl child