Show I FINLAND'S BIRTHDAY Finland This month the republic of Fin Fin- land is its birthday its declared independence having been de- de declared on December 6 1917 1911 Prior to the World War Var the country had been an autonomous duchy of the before Russian empire since 1809 1509 and be- be fore that was a part of the kingdom of Sweden for six and a 3 half cen- cen turnes the thc cap tal has a population of The oldest city is is Abo which cele- cele celebrated its anniversary in 1929 Time Thc has an area of square miles about equal to that of New England Eng New York and New Jersey combined the thc little nation has less than four million inhabitants it has eight political parties The party was in 1925 and no Communist may be- be become become come a of the parliament Both men and women vote but not until they reach the age of 24 Finland is tIle only country to pay every installment on its war debt to time the United States as it be- be due Tn In 1934 it floated a 10 millian dollar lon loan in New York which to payoff pay off bonds bearing bearing- rates The two Finns best known in America are Paavo Nurmi the for timer oler worlds world's champion long distance and J Jean by m many ny o o the living irving mu r nt r ns r no h t i S p 1 ig l lI Y l LI I M Jn Y I The number of Finns unable read IThe and write is less th h tenth one of per cent another world record |