New-York tribune., 1874-08-27

tho peonle n her their class interests
| than those of the whole population. Nevertheless
they were powerful enough and wise enough TO
establish system under which there was toerable
equity for ALL and which contributed to the national
| success of Iceland. Ii was certainly much freer
and simpler system than had been previously known
in Norway; yet, after the introduction of
Christianity, blood revenge was permitted, and
ambush or the surrounding of house and burn
ing of a whole family was considered justifable
The old accounts of the prosperity of the island
seem strange to those who visit ii now. During the
tenth eleventh. and twelfth centuries great quant-
ties of wGdmal Ia coarse wooden cloth, furs, SKINS
elder down, fish, OIL and talow were sent to En-
gland and Norway, and exchanged for meal, timber,
iron and steel implements linen, fine cloths, and
carpets. Many Icelanders visited not only the
northern capitals of Europe but also Constantine
pie Rome and Jerusalem. As each returned, he was
welcomed at all gatherings Of the people, and was
expected to describe his adventures Family festi-
walls occupied much of the spare time OF the nhablt
ants. marriage. birth, death brought hundreds
together, and they were often entertained many
DAYS When H5skuld died, 900 persons drank for IA
days in his honor, and at Hjalke's funeral there
were l, 40 present. A man named And, feeling his
end approaching. gave grand feast, during
which be distributed his property among his heirs,
The young men held athletic matches, and strove
for preemInence in bowling. riding, running. swim
ming and skating Chess was favorite game, ana
songs were also sung for prizes. The Skalds wan
dered from house to house. singing the chronicles OF
the ancestors which cut IN runes on slaves 10
assist the memory before the introduction OF Writing
in Gothic characters. All these characteristics TESTIFY
TO q state of well-beng among the people, which
they have not possessed for many centuries past
The internal feuds which weakened them that
voluntary submission TO Norwegian rule seemed the
least of many evils, were the first cause OF their
downfall In proportion the Icelanders lost their
native energy and independence they yielded the
more easily 10 the encroachments, first of Norway
and then of Denmark, upon the nights at hrst re-
served for themselves. The latter gradually dis
appeared or were so curtailed that they barely con-
tnued to exist in form and abont the year 1860 the
island virtually lost every vestge of independence
Denmarks rule was absolute, and there was no
appeal from il. Even the few traders appointed by
the Danish Government for the island and allowed
the entire monopoly of Its commerce, were Danes,
not Icelanders The people grew steadily poorer,
and powerless in proportion TO their poverty.
This state of things lasted, with slight variations,
for nearly two centuries. Some amenoratloh was
granted by the Danish Government III lo45, buteVen
then and since then. Iceland was treated with less
consideration than the Farce Islands and other de-
pendences Of Denmark. Nevertheless, here was a
beginning which stimulated some of her patriotic
citizens to boder action. An agitation ensued
which has not yet entirely ceased although compar-
atvely great deal has been accomplished The
leader of the movement is Jon SigurdssoD, name
dear TO the people of Iceland although Its bearer
could not be present at this memorable anniversary
The Constitution which, as the King declared, he
H. u, = 10 IA he
claims and representations of Jon Sigurdsson at Co
penhagen. Copies of il were furnished to us; but i
think il unnecessary to translate every clanse IN de-
tail and will here give brief resume OF its most
important features.
The document is divided info seven parts, or
chapters The first of these, which contains 10
paragraphs deals with the relations between the
King and DANISH Government on Que side. and the
legislative assembly, Athing, on the other. The
legislative power belongs to the King and AHhtng.
the executive power with the KING alone, and the
judicial power with the judges. Iceland has no
voice in Danish national questions. since 1t Is not
represented in the RiGsddg at Copenhagen conse-
ouenty il bears no part of the national expenditures
The highest power in Iceland belongs to the Gov
ernor. who is appointed by the King. Should the
Alhing have TO complain of the Governor. the
King decides in each particular case. although the
IL
for his acts the Kings power practically neutralizes
this clause. The Althing. called by the King sits
every other year bat only for six weeks unless pro-
longed by royal consent. A special session may be
called for at the Kings pleasure the latter may also
prorogue the Althing but only once year. and for |
four weeks at q time. The King has power TO dis
solve the Alhing. in which elections shall
be held within two months, and the new Assembly |
shall meet the following year. No decree of the |
Althinq has the force of law without the Kings con-
sent and he fail to sign bill before the next
sion of the body. the bill null and void. The |
minor provisions of this first chapter harmonic
with these leading features.
CHAPTER H. relates to the Constitution of the |
Althing 1t shall consist of 80 deputies elected by
the people and six chosen by the King. The former
hold Office during six years, the latter retaining
their places in case an Assembly should be dissolved
The Althno is divided into an upper and lower |
house the former composed of the six deputies ap-
panted by the King, and six more chosen by the 30
elected members from out their own number. The |
lower house is thus formed by the remaining "a
members of the latter class The other clauses of
this chapter relate 10 the filling of vacancies aud
the civil conditions which make citizen of Iceland
eligible to election member q the Aihing.
Chapter Ill defines the legislative functions of |
the two houses and their cooperative action. The |
regular Althisg shall meet on the first work-day in
July unless the King orders otherwise in ReJkia-
yik Each house has the light to introduce and pass
bills: also to appoint committees for the ipyesnga
ton of matters Of special interest, such Committees
having power TO send for persohs and papers. No
tax may be imposed, altered, OF removed except by
course of law The Aiding has entire control Of the
finances Of the island, which it must regulate by
IN al
the salaries of the Danish functOnaries lin-
clndinp the six members appOinted BY