Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - Chapter I. An Historic Survey of the Cultural Conditions of the Baltic Lands
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who, for centuries, with few exceptions, had been kept at a level with
the lower classes, broke out unrestrainedly. But it should not be
forgotten that the Balts were an essential factor in bringing about
Lettish and Estonian self-determination, having assisted these races to
retain their national individuality. The Letts and Estonians have,
therefore, at the moment of their political self-determination, every
reason to consider the Balts, not as their enemies, but as their friends,
to whom they owe their very national existence from being submerged.
There is no reason to anticipate the return of the old conditions
of life in the Baltic lands; the Balts have, therefore, once and for all
to reckon with the fact that a new era has arisen in the municipal and
social life of Europe, and that their position in such racial States as
Latvia and Eesti, must necessarily be different from that of the old
Constitution. No illusions about that should be entertained. In
purely democratic States, equality before the law is the chief pillar on which
all conditions rest, therefore the Balts cannot demand anything more,
but also nothing less, than to be on an equal footing with the Letts
and Ests in all matters pertaining to public life. They can coalesce no
longer in classes, but in political parties, and thus have the full
advantage of acting according to their own political persuasion. In this
way will they build up a faith in themselves and establish the justness of
their claim to be treated as native co-citizens in Latvia and Eesti.
Generally speaking, minorities are more self-conscious of their
individuality than the majorities, who, knowing their power, easily
stagnate in their aims and ambitions. The poet says: — „Only he
merits freedom in life who wins them every day“. In the dynamic
of human society, those on a lower strata continually struggle for the
upward trend, those to whom Fate brings difficulties and hardships
are invigorated all the more by their very struggle for life. The Baltic
racial minorities will not be crushed out of existence. The Christian
religion states that those who are called to bear, are also given the
strength to endure.
Latvia and Eesti have all the conditions for prosperity at their
disposal, provided they desist from the oppression, persecution and
pauperisation of their minorities. Not enmity and strife, but good will
and peace provide the pledge for welfare and permanent success.
Hatred damages not only others but oneself. To live at peace with one’s
neighbours and co-citizens, does not prejudice anyone.
What then is the real reason that the minorities in Latvia and Eesti,
and especially the Balts, are looked upon with suspicion and hostility?
Certainly not because the Letts and Estonians doubt their love for
their homeland or because they are considered as useless drones! No,
it is well known that the Balts desire to be useful to their country, and
judging from a great number of them who have found a livelihood in
countries even where there is a large supply of educated men, there
is no doubt that they are a constructive element in any State. That
which makes the minorities objectionable to the Letts and Estonians,
is simply because they are not of the same racial stock. Now,
that the Letts and Estonians in their newly created States are
themselves the rulers, they should apply to their own racial minorities the
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