Lithuanians Hold Reception in Honour 20th Anniversary Wednesday, February 16, Lithuanians all over the World are celebrated the twentieth anniversary of their inependence, which was proclaimed oon the February 16, 1918, after about 325 years under the dominion of Russia and Germany.
It Is only twenty years since Lithuania became a republic but much has been done in that time and under the wise leadership of its resent popular and much respected President, His Excellency A. Smetona, the country has made rapid progress in every way.
In Shanghai the Committee of the: Lithuanian Association held a reception at th residence of the president of the Association between 530 and 7.30 p.m. which all "Lithuanians were invited, "A. cable "has. also been sent to the President of the Republic, conveying the congratulations and' the good wishes of the local community.
Lithuania fs one of the oldest of the European. countries, +her history dating back to 2000 BE. when a tribe of Aryans migrated from Asia and settled on the banks of the Danube. Later, being pressed by more powerful tribes, these people were foreed to move farther North and settle on the shores of the Baltic, where large tracts of forests, lakes and undulating country make up much fof the fine scenery of the 60,000 square miles of Lithuania.
In 1223 the Lithuanians played an important role in stemming the invading tide of Tartars, when Duke Erdwilas destroyed a part of Genghis Khan's Army.
Like other primitive Burdpean peoples the carly" Lithuanians "were Mdolators. There existed an elaborate aystem of worship with a Chief priest Under whom a large variety of minor priests efflated in the forests, whence offerings to the gods were brought and placed at the foot of oaks. The President A. Smetona of Lithuania Chief deity was Perkunas, od of thunder, whose terrifying lightning, was also worshipped.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.