FINLAND.* •
Ma. RENWICK tells us that he has had two objects.in. writing his book. These may be briefly characterised as political and literary; he desires us to enlist for the Finns our helpful sympathy in the stand which they are making against Russian encroachment, and he wishes to set forth the attractions of the. country, the charm of its moors and rivers and lakes, its opportunities of Sport and the like, and, at the same time, to do justice to the good qualities of the people. The political purpose is set forth in what we may describe as a very militant preface from the pen of Mr. Henry W. Nevinson. We doubt whether this aid will be really helpful, such is the tone and temper of the utterance. Mr. Renwick himself feels strongly on the subject, but he is willing to believe that M. Stolypin himself is not at heart an enemy to Finnish rights. One thing may be urged on the Russian side : Finland seems to be the most Socialistic region in. Europe. In the Diet , elected in January last there were returned eighty-seven Socialist deputies, the five other parties numbering in all one hundred and seven. It is little to be wondered at that the central authority feels a little uneasy. Turning to the country and . its people, we find Mr. Renwick's account full of interest. It is a case of a struggle between Man and Nature. The con- ditions are hard. There is a very rigorous winter, and in Northern Finland the average temperature of the year is, if we remember right, little above the freezing point. "Only, about thiee acres in every hundred are arable." (Nothing is said about pasture, and generally there is lack of figures.) Still the Finn is better off than his neighbours on the north. Nature cannot overpower him ; he asserts himself and rises in the scale. In one matter he is behind the time. There are still adscripti glebae in the country, in hysingar, as they are called, " who are compelled by law to live with and work, for a householder." Of this class we naturally hear little, or nothing; but of the Finns with whom Mr. Renwick came in . contact, whether in the country or in the towns—the larger towns are wonderfully up.to-date in their arrangements—we . have a very pleasing appreciation. They area genial, kindly , race. Some drawbacks there are. Woman has obtained an equality such as she possesses nowhere else, and, on the whole, . Mr. Renwick thinks, is not so much the better for it as she should be. She wants, if we rightly understand him, to have both her rights of law and her rights of courtesy. Mr. Renwick has something to say about sport, but he is sparing of details. Here, however, is one which may be quoted : in Lake Ladoga, , you can catch salmon and char " in great quantities," and pay for a boat and boatman six shillings a day!
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