The New York herald., 1874-08-27
NEW YORK HERALD THURSDAY AUGUST a.

waldemar, and was With him about twenty mia.
utes. Our conversation was at rst about the jour.
ney. so novel to him aud certainly quito equally SO
to me; about the Geysers and the scene at Thing
vala. He has clearly an artistic eye to the pic
turesque. and spoke feelingly Of the view OF the
valley from the old Law Mount The amusing in
cidents Of the journey were evidently enjoyed by
him immensely, and doubt II any one has for .
long while traversed the rude road between ReiE-
iavik and the Geysers who got more amusement
out Of it than His Majesty Of Denmark; At least
should think 90 from the way he talked about
It. TO be sure he was . king, and
could have his own way, and did not belong to
party where as Is usual with all parties every
where, everybody having way Of his own. ono
wanting TO do this and another wanting to do
and the same time.
HIS NAJEsTY's OPINION OF THE NEW YORK HERALD.
The conversation about the journey over, the
King graciousiy referred to the HERALD. and he
was clearly quite well posted as to Its enterprise
and public spirit, and when told him that would
like to publish in the HERALD some words OF his
respecting this Icelandic mennial celebration, he
answered IN English
"It Is q great compliment you pay me BY think
ing that the world Will care to know my opinions
through so popular q Journal"
country watched with much interest," and then I
added
"Your Majesty knows that Iceland was once q
republic and come from republic, and 1t is but
natural we should cherish its memory. Besides, It
was people from Iceland who were the hrst white
men to land on the shores OF America, and while
remembering Columbus, We cannot forget Left
Erickson"
The republic did not seem to please him particu-
lary, for Iceland is has been OF late, anything
but q republic; but he smiled at the idea, and
asked some questions about our life aud political
matters, maniiesting much interest in the country
generally. When q favorable opportunity offered
1 asked him about the new constitution which he
had given the Icelanders. He smiled again and
said In substance that his Minister for Iceland was
better posted than himself but atterward he an
swered every point of my question.
~ would hkc," said 10 publish what your
Majesty himself has to say, II 1t is not objection
able to you. Your own words will carry great
weight and will, assure you oe much valued BY
the readers OF the HERALD"
WHAT HE THINKS OF THE NEW CONSTITUTION
81 hope" said he, in reply, ''thts new constttu-
tion will give satisfaction to the people Of Iceland
They are fine people, and their prosperity Is very
dear to me. In all constitutional governments tho
people must have systematic representation ana
q local form OF administration, ana this, think,
the new constitution grants themn
'If your Majesty please"I continued, "might
ask how 1t Is that the new government differs
from the oldr'
The King answered with great frsnkness, "By
the new constitution there IL given to Iceland
which hitherto had only consultative influence
over its own AFFAIRS through It's Althing-a full
power OF LEGISLATION and taxation, while the affairs
OF Iceland were formerly divided between the
land has now Its own special Minister to whose
portfolio belongs all that concerns the island; !;
while such affairs as concern Denmark and Iceland
in common continue to be In the hands of the
Danish Legislature"
took the liberty OF asking the specific nature OF
their common affairs.
.'Such as concern the dynasty. intercourse with
foreign Powers ana the ordinary regulations Of
commerce."
.'Then the Ioelanders are quite free as concerns
their local leglslationW
.sQuite so, In fact, ana think the new arrange
ment will work for their prosperity and good. 1t
Is with this hope that have unaertaken tnis voy.
age to Iceland at the time when tho new arrange
ment comes into operation Iceland has great
history and her resources are large enough to give
her great future; and this, taken IN connection
vito this celebration Of the thousandth annlver-
sary OF the country. makes the mission doubly in
teresrtng ana important to me-"
I spoke then Of the manifestations Of loyalty
which had everywhere witnessed.
"lt has, OF course, not escaped me. think the
Icelanders understand me and appreciate my In.
tentions."
Alter short further conversation thanked His
Majesty for his kindness and withdrew, wishing
him pleasant voyage. He said he would take
care that all the documents we're sent mo In rela-
ton to the matter, and referred me to His Excel
lency, Minister Klein, for any further information
might require as to details. Minister Klein re.
ceived me with quiet courtesy, and to him am
indebted for much usefu! information, which
shall be required to embody in another letter.