5 DECEMBER 1903, Page 13

The Grand Duchy of Finland. By the Author of "A

Visit to the Russians in Central Asia." (T. Fisher truwin. 2s. 6d. net.) —This sketch of the history of Finland appears opportunely. Alexander I. (March, 1889, is a misprint for 1809) spoke of the country as "placed from henceforward in the rank of nations, governed by its own laws " ; Nicholas I., though disposed to the " Russification " policy, respected his brother's promises ; Alexander II. reverted to his uncle's convictions,—his reign is described as Finland's "Golden Age " ; Nicholas II. has not the courage and consistency of his namesake. "By a curious coinci- dence the invitation of all nations to a peace conference at the Hague was made by the Emperor Nicholas II. in the same week as his call upon Finland for an unconstitutional and enormous increase to her Army."