FIXLAXD : GOVERNMENT. 



225 



109.— The Saima Canal. 

 Scale 1 : 500,000. 



one in twenty can write in the northern province of Uleâborg. Even in some of 

 the southern districts, where fixed schools are numerous, no more than one-third of 

 the pupils acquire this art. The Swedes of Finland are always comparatively better 

 instructed than the Finns proper. The first Swedish newspaper appeared at Abo 

 in 1771, the first Finnish in 1776, since when periodical literature has made rapid 

 progress. Half of all the journals are published in the capital. 



The Grand Duchy of Finland is united to Russia both in the person of the 

 Czar and in all its outward relations. The administration of foreign affairs is the 

 Slime for both countries, and 

 several departments, such as the 

 telegraphic service, are under 

 Russian control. The local 

 government, which in all essen- 

 tials has preserved the old 

 Swedish constitution, is in prin- 

 ciple an absolute monarchy ac- 

 cording to the forms of the 

 ancient Swedish monarchy. But 

 these forms have been modified 

 by the Czar, who annexed the 

 country as his personal " pro- 

 perty," and gave it certain 

 statutes in 1809. As " Grand 

 Duke of Finland," he has, in the 

 terms of the constitution, " full 

 power to govern, pacify, con- 

 ciliate, and defend the Grand 

 Duchy, grant pardons in cases 

 affecting life, honour, and pro- 

 perty, and appoint at his good 

 pleasure to all the offices of 

 the State." He is represented 

 at Helsingfors by a Governor- 

 General, who is at once the 

 highest military functionary and 

 Presidentof the Senate. The Czar 

 also names a Minister of State, 

 who must be a Finlander, and who submits to him all matters reserved for imperial 

 decision. The Senate, which sits at Helsingfors, is entirely appointed by the Emperor, 

 and comprises two " departments," those of justice and administration, each consisting 

 of nine members. A procurator-general, named by the Grand Duke, assists at the 

 meetings of the Senate to control its decisions, and point out the limits of its func- 

 tions, for in all important matters reference must be made to the imperial pleasure. 

 The governor delivers his opinion independentlj- in the minutes of the deliberations. 

 160 



