New-York tribune., 1874-08-27
THE KINGS ARRIVAL AND LANDING.

THE KINGS ARRIVAL AND LANDING.
FIRST DAY IN ICELAND-REJKIAyIK A NEAT, COsr
TowN-CoURTEsY AND DIGNITY OF ALL CLASSES
OF THE NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. OF THE ROYAL
vEssEIs-THE KINGS RECEPTION HEARTY AND
RESPECTFUL
IRON REGULAR CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRBuSEI
REJKIAvIK, July 30.-As soon as our steamer was
fairly moored last evening, we got into the boats
and went ashore. There is beach three or four
hundred yards long, with several wooden jetties
running down into the water, the rise of the tide
here being II feet. There was quite little crowd
waiting to receive us, and our friend Magnusson no
sooner landed than he was recognized and heartily
embraced by both ladies and gentlemen. One of the
first was Sheriff Thorstenson, for whom had q
package of letters. 1t was very evident that all
Rekiavik was in state of unusual excitement
and expectation. The people greeted respectfully
on all Sides but in spite of their apparent curiosity,
asked no questions.
Smooth. toleraby broad streets Of volcanic sand
and gravel, with tagged sidewalks; square wooden
houses. which seemed stately in comparison with
those of Thorshavn; merchants storehOuses, with
ont signs vet generally thronged with peoples little
gardens of caulifower, radishes and turDlps white
curtains pots of geranum, mignonette ana roses IN
the windows and ruddy sun-browned faces LOOKING
ont upon us-such were the features OF the place
which first caught the eye. Flags floated from all
the larger buildings and new jetty, with crimson
canopy, was in preparation for the royal landing
Some officers and sailors from the foreign men-of-
war were mixed with the crowd, taking away some-
thing from its distinctive Icelandic character.
Herr Magnisson fortunately espied S6gr. the man
of all Others whom desired first 10 meet In or
der to accompany the royal party to Thngyalla and
the Geysers, and to take part in the national cele-
braton at the former place horses guides and tents
were necessary. With the usual scanty travel,
Reikiayik and the immediate neicbborhood are un-
provided for an emergency like the present; tho
King and his company alone have ordered l60 po-
Mes S0gr besitated, according to the habit OF his
race. promised nothing positively, bat agreed to
breakfast with lis this morning-which, as matters
have since turned out meant that he was willing TO
fry. and believed that he should succeed. We next
called on Herr Thomson. one of the princp pal mer-
chants who was most generous in the offer OF his
services and hes sinc9 given US much more OF his
time than we could expect him to surrender on q
day like this.
Finding that had letter to the Danish Gov
ernor Finsen, Mr.. Thomson accompanied me to the
Government House, white mansion on a knoll
which slopes down bright and green to ali,.e canal,
connecting the harbor with lake behind the town.
In the official chamber found a courteous gentle
man in uniform, who regretted that His Majesty's
coming would lessen his power to show the desira-
BILE amount of attention to our party. He volaa-
tecred howeverto good places for the SER
vices in the Cathedral, next Sunday; and this was
really all we needed Coming forth from the pres
ence followed the tracks of my friends, and pres.
emily found them at the house Of Dr. Jon Hjaltalin,
editor of the Samundar Frodi. strong, ruddy-
checked. gray-haired son Of the North, IN whose
welcome there was no uncertain sound. He spoke
English readily gave evidence Of much and various
knowledge and seemed rejoiced to meet his journal.
istc brethren of otherla We had most agreeable
visit of half hour and then returnefthrough tho
nam street. seeking the house Of Sheriff Thorshen-
sou. asked o man who was mendng the street
whether he spoke Danish: he shook his head but
called another workman, who at once guided rs to
the Sherihs door. and when offered him piece Of
money. laughed Is if it were good joke, and ran
away.
BY this time il was late, and twilight was gather.
ing apace under the dark, rainy sky. We returned
to the steamer for supper and slept in delightful
quiet after the restless torment Of the gale. This