The later developments of this interesting question fall without the scope of this volume.  We can therefore only state that the steadfast opposition of the Finns to these illegal proceedings led to still harsher treatment, and that the few concessions granted since the outbreak of the Japanese War have apparently failed to soothe the resentment aroused by the former unprovoked attacks upon the liberties of Finland.

* * * * *

One fact, which cannot fail to elicit the attention of thoughtful students of contemporary history, is the absence of able leaders in the popular struggles of the age.  Whether we look at the orderly resistance of the Finns, the efforts of the Russian revolutionaries, or the fitful efforts now and again put forth by the Poles, the same discouraging symptom is everywhere apparent.  More than once the hour seemed to have struck for the overthrow of the old order, but no man appeared.  Other instances might of course be cited to show that the adage about the hour and the man is more picturesque than true.  The democratic movements of 1848-49 went to pieces largely owing to the coyness of the requisite hero.  Or rather, perhaps, we ought to say that the heroes were there, in the persons of Cavour and Garibaldi, Bismarck and Moltke; but no one was at hand to set them in the places which they filled so ably in 1858-70.  Will the future see the hapless, unguided efforts of to-day championed in an equally masterful way?  If so, the next generation may see strange things happen in Russia, as also elsewhere.

Two suggestions may be advanced, with all diffidence, as to the reasons for the absence of great leaders in the movements of to-day.  As we noted in the chapter dealing with the suppression of the Paris Commune of 1871, the centralised Governments now have a great material advantage in dealing with local disaffection owing to their control of telegraphs, railways, and machine-guns.  This fact tells with crushing force, not only at the time of popular rising, but also on the men who work to that end.  Little assurance was needed in the old days to compass the overthrow of Italian Dukes and German Translucencies.  To-day he would be a man of boundlessly inspiring power who could hopefully challenge Czar or Kaiser to a conflict.  The other advantage which Governments possess is in the intellectual sphere.  There can be no doubt that the mere size of the States and Governments of the present age exercises a deadening effect on the minds of individuals.  As the vastness of London produces inertia in civic affairs, so, too, the great Empires tend to deaden the initiative and boldness of their subjects.  Those priceless qualities are always seen to greatest advantage in small States like the Athens of Pericles, the England of Elizabeth, or the Geneva of Rousseau; they are stifled under the pyramidal mass of the Empire of the Czars; and as a result there is seen a respectable mediocrity,