The Monte Vista journal., 1912-11-02

l5 pIoudDlS ullllCult ~ tbs aNsi-
lge tourist. health seeker or
sportsman to realize that within
lour days Reykjavik, the capital
If Iceland, can be reached from
Leith.
Yet such is the case. and perhaps
1t may be more surprising to learn
that during the summer months the
climate is mild and equable. although
the extreme northern part of the
country is north of the arctic circle
says writer in the Dundee Courier.
Last year | spent four months in
this historical and romantic island,
the inhabitants of which still keep to
their ancient customs in language.
dress and government
The latter, although nominally Dan
ish, as the king of Denamrk has the
veto, have, since 1908, had their own
minister, who, under the direction of
parliament which meets every two
years, looks after the affairs OF the
country. The crown has not yet once
exercised the right to dismiss or
amend any of the bills passed by the
althing since the practically home
rule bill of 1903 was passed.
During my visit the one-hundredth
anniversary of the birth of Jon Sigurds-
son, the great patriot who established
free trade with all nations in 1854.
was held, and the opportunity taken
to open the new university. Former
students had to study at Copenhagen
or other recognized universities. but
now they can take their degree In law.
medicine or divinity at Reykjavik.
The opening was very impressive
and picturesque the whole town and
countryside turning out in gala attire.
many coming from villages or lonely
farms forty to fifty miles distant on
their strong little ponies. which are
almost the only means Of travel.
ing, as there are no railways in the
country. A few had little carts decor
ated with shrubs and artificial flowers.
After the ceremony, which took place
In the parliament house (the univer-
sity proper is In the parliament house,
but there are several classrooms In
various parts OF the town., the may.
or made short speech. after which
the band struck up the Icelandic ma
tional anthem. very weird and dole
full tune.
ReykJavik an Up to Date Capital.
A procession was then formed.
headed by the band playing the Dan.
ish national anthem, followed by
the foreign consuls. who were all in
uniforms. the town and county coun-
cilors, the decorated cars and little
girls and boys (the former all dressed
In white) carrying the national flag
came I'm the rear. The procession
then proceeded TO the cemetery. where
massive laurel wreath was placed
on Sigurdsson's grave, which Is
marked by n handsome monument.
vThe capital itself is modern and
up TO date. While ! was there n Dan.
ish theatrical company performed in
the little theater. and an excellent
cinematograph entertainment was
held every night, where one might see
everything from the coronation pro
cesslon TO the Grand National.
One OF the two large and comfort
able hotels boasts Of excellent music
in the restaurant every evening. both
summer and winter.
The althlng or parliament consists
OF forty members, who represent the
10000 inhabitants on the island, OF
which / 900 reside In Reykjavik
II is not generally known that Ice
land and not Britain is the mother Of
parliaments. In s29 a representatiy,
parliament was constituted. and ia
first meeting was held at Thingvelllr
great sunken plano between two
lava riffs. with Thingvalla lake before
It and the gigantic Broadshield noun
tain looking down upon II.
Thingvelllr. which II thirty.nv<
miles distont from Reykjnvlk. has I