MONDAY, MAY 20, 1918. THE NEW REPUBLIC OF FINLAND.

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1918, Page 2

MONDAY, MAY 20, 1918. THE NEW REPUBLIC OF FINLAND.

THE state of confusion which has existed in Russia since the outbreak of the Revolution makes it almost impossible to form any clear idea ot what is going on ;n the way of governmental affairs in the various fragments •into which the former Empire of Russia has broken up. The only portion of the great Empire which has attained to anything like complete National existence since the devolution is the new Republic of Finland, the events leading up to the constitution of which can be definitely traced right up to the moment oT separation from the Russian Empire, Finland, next to Bessarabia was the latest addition to the Russian Empire in Europe. Up until 1809 it had been a semi-independent duchy under the Swedish Crown, but as the result of an agreement between Napoleon Buonaparte and Alexander J of Russia, it was -united to Russia in that year. Its population is about three and a quarter millions, scattered over a territory of about 125,000 square niiles, it being thus slightly larger than New Zealand. Alexander II of Russia granted the Finat « c«k*stitution in .1863, though practically throughout the whole of the last century Russian rulers respected . Finland' s liberties. Shielded from external , interf erence the Finns developed a remarkable national culture, highly progressive, and keenly conscious or self. Unfortunately in 1899, the'omnipotent bureaucracy under Nicholas II opened a ruthless campaign against the ancient Finnish autonomy, and the Constitution was suspended and the country put at the mercy of a Gover-nor-General whose rule was characterised, by' stupid brutality. In the uprising in Russia of 1905, when the failure in the Japanese War by an iucpnipetent . , and effete bureaucracy ; very nearly overturned the Autocracy, the* Russian Government restored autoniomy to the Finns, and granted them universal suffrage, including the vote for women. But as soon as the i 905 movement aglurist the Autocracy, in Russia died down, the bureaucracy again returned to is policy of trampling underfoot the constitution of Finland. A law passed as late "as lyiO, was an absolute negation of the -very essence of the country's axitonomy. . The present * war did not relieve the situation, and in 1914, the oppression of the Finns was so severe that many a patriotic Finn was driven by love of his country to. embrace the cause ,of .Russia's enemies. In March 1917, when tlie Rornanotf Dynasty was overthrown aud a Russian Provisional Governinerit established, the repressive measures against Finland were repealed and the internal t independence ot the Finns confirmed. It was expected in Petrqgrad that . the measures of the Provisional Government! woultl pave the , way for, cordiality and good-will between the \twb countries, but this expectation was dpoYned to failure. The people of Finland after so many previous disapppintniehts were sceptical regarding Russian promises, ana they wanted complete separation fromRussia. .According to the Finnish Constitution he supreme Governmental authority was vested in the person of the Ciar of "Russia, who was also Grand: Duke of _ Finland. . No Bill passed by the Finnish Diet could become a law until it was confirmed by the Csaf-Dtike. When the Russian Monarchy was overturned in the recent devolution, the f'iririish Diet claimed that the supreme auhonty passed to tlie Finnish Senate, or. UaDiuet ot iYiinisters. . ; 'ilus .meaut virtual secession *ironi Russia as it .removeu ttte.omy link Jiitnerco, bjudiug the two cuimtries. . liie instability or tho Russian Government in revolutionary. Husaiii made tlie leaders of tlie .tfiims believe tliat it was better to have the independence ot Finland saieguardeu by ail : international guarantee than to rely upon the protectorate of a .country which in the uncertain course of its history niight revert 'to a barbarous regime aud again trample underfoot the liberties or Finland. The Socialists led the movement for separation. The conflict between the Finnish Diet and the Russian Provisional Government, reached a critical stage in July of last year. The Diet drafted a new Cdi-y stitiition in the greatest secrecy which abolished all connections between Russia and Finland. A Russian delegation proceeded to Finland but their mission, was a failure as the Diet passed the new Constitution Bill and rejected the motion to submit tile Bill to the Russian Provisional Government Matters. Were ;ri>ade easier by the overthrow *of the Russian ; .Government by the Bolsheviks who swept away the obstacles which .remained in the way of Finland's independence. The Gpy-e.rnor-Gfenera.l of Finland returned, to Russia, and the Bbislievik s riof "appointing, any successor the „ bond's between the two countries were thejreby^ severed: The independence of the ''country" was proclaimed m. December of last year, the proclamation , pointing but that the. state: of anarchy in Rusaia forced" the' ,Fipriish 'people td' sever all relations ..q£ dejpe"ndejice with \tTiaf country, and' fa further seated that Fin- \t land was acting' ; on the strength,- of the Allies' recognition of the. right of alt peoples to political self-determination. ..

The work of organising the State machinery wag soon completed and negotiations for international recognition were opened up. The first power to recognise the new Republic was Swed-r en, followed by France, Norway, Denmark and Germany. Unfortunately almost immediately after civil strife began, started by a propaganda or class war. The Socialists set up a Government of their own, and the extremists organised the lied Guard of Workers, the army of the coming Social j revolution. The movement originated spontaneously but it is highly probable that the Petrograa Government took the opportunity ot directing and supporting social revolution in Finland. The Russian soldiers and sailors who had remained in Finland took a large part in the conflict. The arms of the Red Guard were secured from the Russian garrisons'. The Finnish Government troops aided by the White Guard, which was organised by the propertied classes, commenced military operations against the Red Guards, but matters during the past couple of months have become further complicated by the invasion of Germany troops,- which are there ostensibly to aid the Finnish Government. The Socialists maintain that their opponents were unable to defeat the Red Guards without the assistance of the Germans, whom they claim have been brought in to trample the liberties of the Finnish people underfoot. The future of the new Republic is doubtful At all events it is now quite evident that before the people of Finland get a i chance to govern themselves as an independent country the Germans will have to be defeated by the Allied Powers. Now that they have got a footing in Finland the Finns themselves will be powerless to shift them", and the hope of the new Republic like that of the rest of the world is dependent upon the downfall of Prussianism.

The wash-up of the Kapitea dredge for the past two weeks was 44ioz. Tfie. actual dredging time ivas 10 days. Mr. Philip and Theodore Skoglund arrived by the express on Saturday evening. i , Allan's Song Folio, Nos. 1 arid 2, price 3s 6d; postage 6s. Globe Song Book,, No. 2, price 3s. each., postage 6Jd. B. Dixon, Bookseller, Greymouth. — Advt. The Anniversary of the Sailors' Rest will be celebrated at the Wesley Hall to-morrow (Tuesday) evening. An excellent programme has been ar-ranged,-sand there is sure to be a large attendance. New supply of Interleaved Manuscript Books. Price 6d.. Is., Is. 3d. each. Allan's March Album, Nos. 2 arid 3, price Is 3d; Allan's Cornet Album, Nos. 1 and 2, price Is 6d. ; postage 2*d., at B. Dixon's, Bpokselerj Greymouth. — Advt. Mr. and Mrs. Spence (nee Miss Skoglund) are visiting Greymouth. T'ney arrived by the express on Saturday evening. All parents should see that their children are warm comfortable during the winter. What about * new coat. We have children's Winter Coats in Astrachan, Teddy and Corderoy all shades. The prices range from 16s 6d to 30s. W. McKay and Son s Greymouth — Advt. . Mrs. G ; . Ord, of Aratika, has received cable advice that her son, Private John Henry Ore, who enlisted with, the 17th. Reinforcements, has been removed from- the seriously ill list in the Walton-on-Thames Hospital. Twenty-one Ladies' Tweed Costumes all the best makers' goods— Roslyn, Petone and British at 35/-, 40/-, 50/-, 60/-, 90/- to £6 10s. each. * inspection invited. See our windows. Walker's, Boundary Street,, Greymouth. — Advt. In the Hospital Report yesterday, in respect of the Canterbury Military District, Sergt. A. H. McKanc (M.M.) of Rcefton, was reported as being j "Not reported as severe case." {

-Mr. and Mrs Frank WhiV?, of Turu- • maha Street, Greyniouth, yesterday received a wire from the Defence Minister stating that their son "Alfred" had been, wounded in the face slightly, and was at present in hospital in France. As the usual time for sending Land, and Income Tax returns is approaching, Taxpayers are strongly advised to, send to Hemingway and Robertson, P.O. Boi sltf, '.Auckland, for "The Land and Income Taxpayer's Guide ™, (post paid 10/6), in which book are not only complete directions for; filling in returns, but full information in ' simple/ language on the whole sub."feetl — A<ivt. ' Nufse Bishop, who.iea.ves this week to join the N.Z. Expeditonai-y Force nursing staff, was /paid a high tribute for her patriotic work by the Greyniouth. Patriotic Association. At the meeting held last Friday afternoon, Mr McKay moved and " Mr. Jeffreys seconded that a letter, appreciative of lier services be sent from tlie Association. This Was carried "unanimously. Miss Bishop's services w;ll be greatlymissed in this community^ for she has been most energetic in assisting to raise* money for different funds. A nice r,ange of Ladies' woollen' lnderclothiug, in the famous Wolsey md other leading makes at Aitken md Peters' s. Full stock of sipes in' iombinations, spencers, singlets etc. , ilso ladies* aiid children's "Kaiapoi" mitted bloomers. Now is the" time for , eliable woollen goods. See the large variety of needful lines' at Aitken and 'ete'r's, Upper Mawhera Quay. ' 1M your Winter Costume be fash- ; Jnaßle as well as serviceable. Let it _ c cut iii the newest styles and .finish- ' d^off to perfection. We can assure '- hese requirements for you. We have wide range of winter costumes in ' erge, tweeds and cloths from £2 12s ' 0 £5 ss. W. McKay and Sons, ' rreymouth— Advt. 1 ,- - J r o keep your spirits freV from «sare, .! 1 brisk walk tro' the winter air, ? f you in comfy "clothes are clad,, '' Viit -jrarm*. your* bloocl and make you F . glad. V. .., _ '^ iut just before .yoti venture out, '. fof the 'weather you 'ye a doubt, ; fix hot. and drink a nip, be sure, if warming Woods' -Great Peppermint r ,Cuv&> , j_ ,-_-..^-' - j j

, Mr. J. B. North, the xpung English ' actor who plays the name part in • ' Daddy Long Legs " ; ;. and Miss Mabel BargTove, the principal lady, along with the other members, of the company, arrived in- Greymouth overland from Christchurch on Saturday night. New woollen goods for winter at Aitken and Peters. Colonial blankets and flannels, knitted jersey's, scarves, hoisery, singlets, etc.. Also a fine range of ladies new knitted hose in all colours. Fancy silk scarves in newest shades. All 1 that is new In, winter wear at Aitken and" .PefeW.*s^/ Advt. " Miss Cliff Palmer, who plays the part of Miss, Pritchard in "Daddy jLong Legs," visited Greymbuth . previously as a member of. the' Pollard Opera Company. She was the wife of Mr. Alf. Stevens, the Pollard's wellknown comedian, who was killed • in action at the Battle of Pozieres. Mr.^ Bert Nicholson, who visited Grey"^ mouth as a boy ; in Tom Pollard's "Bluebell in Fairyland" company, and played, the ciief comedy parts, is also here as a member of the "Daddy long Legs " company. L ja" Tweed Coats are muchwaut~cd these cold mornings. We quote a few prices which, are as. follows:— 1 Navy Serge Coat 40/1, 1 Tweed Coat, Tartan Collar, 40/-; 1 Brown Face Cloth Coat 50/-; 1 Crimson Coat £0 10s; 2 only, Fur Collar Coats, good Tweed, £(i 10s; also a few odd Coats in different colours at 20/- 25/-, 50/-, 60/- and 70/- each. Also some really Good Coats in Black Astrakhan and oealettei at 55/-, 70/-, 80/-, 90/-. to 120/- each, .at Walker's, Bounty otreet, Greymduth. — Advt. . > The funeral of the late J. T. Skoglund took place yesterday afternoon, the remains' being interned in the Greymouth cemetery. The., cortege was large and most representative. The members of the Greymouth Fire Brigade led the solemn procession, then came members of the Masonic fraternity, the hearse and members of the family, most of whom had arrived the night before, then the general public. The funeral ceremony at" the graveside was conducted by the Rev Archdeacon York, and Brother E. B. Mabin read the beautiful Masonic service, and here was laid to rest a gentleman in every sense of the word, honoured . and respected throughout the length and breadth of the West Coast, : an exemplary husband and father and one who will be missed in many commercial and social circles. . Fur Necklets in real Squirrel, at 25/-. 30/- and 35/-; alsoAme only, real good 'quality, ' in Squirrel .Muff- ami , Stole at £6 15s the set. Real Fitch 'sets Muff and Necklet, at £6 10s and £6 .15s; also Musqueesh and Brown £ear Fur Sets at 35/-, 75/-, 90/- aud 110/- each; also a few Children 's Fur Sets at 5/11, 6/11/ 8/11 and 13/6 each — at Walker's, Boundary Street. — Advt. ■:/.•■