The universal geography : earth and its inhabitants

FINLAND : GOVERNMENT.225one iu twenty can write in the northern province of Uleaborg. Even in some ofthe southern districts, where fixed schools are numerous, no more than one-third ofthe pupils acquire this art.The Swedes of Finland are always comparatively betterinstructed than the Finns proper. The first Swedish newspaper appeared at Aboin1771, the first Finnish in 1776, since when periodical literature has made rapidprogress.Half of all the journals are published in the capital.The Grand Duchy of Finland is united to Russia both in the person of theCzar and in all its outward relations. The administration of foreign affairs is thesame for both countries, andseveral departments, such as theFi 8'-109-—The S.uma Canal.. Scale 1 : 500,000.telegraphic service, are underRussian control. The localgovernment, which in all essentialshas preserved the oldSwedish constitution, is in principlean absolute monarchy accordingto the forms of theancient Swedish monarchy.Butthese forms have been modifiedby the Czar, who annexed thecountry as his personal " property,"and gave it certainstatutes in 1809. As " GrandDuke of Finland," he has, in theterms of the constitution, " fullpower to govern, pacify, conciliate,and defend the GrandDuchy, grantpardons in casesaffecting life, honour, and property,and appoint at his goodpleasure to all the offices ofthe State." He is representedat Helsingfors by a Governor-General, who is at once thehighest military functionary andPresident of the Senate. The Czaralso names a Minister of State,who must be a Finlander, and who submits to him all matters reserved for imperialdecision. The Senate, which sits at Helsingfors, is entirely appointed by the Emperor,and comprises two " departments," those of justice and administration, each consistingof nine members. A procurator-general, named by the Grand Duke, assists at themeetings of the Senate to control its decisions, and point out the limits of its functions,for in all important matters reference must be made to the imperial pleasure.The governor delivers his opinion independently in the minutes of the deliberations.