The state herald., 1912-10-04

T is probably difficult TO- the aver
age tourist, health seeker or
sportsman to realize that within
our days Reykjavik. the capital
If Iceland, can be reached from
th.
Yet such is the case. and perhaps
may be more surprising to learn
i during the summer months the
mate is mild and equable, although
extreme northern part OF the
bntry is north of the arctic circle
Is writer In the Dundee Courier.
LAST year | spent four months in
historical and romantic island,
inhabitants of which still keep to
ir ancient customs in language.
ss and government.
he latter. although nominally Dan
as the king of Denamrk has the
10. have, since 1903. had their own
mister, who. under the direction of
parliament whicA meets every two
rs. looks after the Affairs of the
bntry. The crown has not yet once
ercised the right to dismiss or
lend any of the bills passed by the
lhing since the practically home
e bill Of 1903 was passed.
purlns my visit the one-hundre4sh
hlversary OF the birth OF Jon Sigurds-
b. the great patriot who established
e trade with all nations in 1854.
IS held. and the opportunity taken
open the new university. Former
dents had to study at Copenhagen
other recognized universities. but
" they can take their degree in law.
dicine or divinity at Reykjavik.
The opening was very impressive
d picturesque. the whole town and
lntrysids turning out in gala attire.
(ny coming from villages or lonely
rms forty to fifty miles distant on
eir strong little ponies. which are
AS there are no railways in the
untry. i fex had little carts decor
ID with shrubs and artificial flowers
ter tho ceremony. which took place
the parliament house (the univer-
y proper is In the parliament house.
i there are several classrooms In
rious parts OF tho town.. the may
made a short speech. after which
band struck up the Icelandic ma
Pnal anthem. a very weird and dole
tune.
ReykIavlk an Up to Date Capital.
a procession was then formed
AIDED by the band playing the Dan
national anthem. followed by
3 foreign eonsuls. who were all In
iforms. the town and county ooun.
ors, the decorated cars and little
fla and boys tthe former all drcssed
whitel carrying the national nag
me In the rear. The procession
en- proceeded 20 the cemetery. where
massive laurel wreath was placed
slgurdsson's grave. which Ia
nrked by n handsome monument
The capital itself IL modern and
TO date While was there Dan.
theatrical company performed In
+ little theRter. and an excellent
nematogrnph entertainment was
Id every night. whero one might SEQ
cry,hing from the coronation pro
sSion TO the Grand National.
Ono OF tho two large and comfort.
N hotels boasts OF excellent music
tho restaurant every evening. both
INNER and winter.
The althing or parliament consists
forty members. who represent the
900 Inhabitants on the Island. of
hleh II 900 scside In ReykIavik.
II IL not generally known that Ice.
nd and not Britain In the mother Of
lrliAmentn In e3a n representative
lrllament wns constituted. and It's
st meeting was held Mt Thingyellir.
great aunkcn plane between two
"a rif,n. with ThinEyalln lake before
and the gigantic nrohdrhiold noun.
In looking down upon II.
rhlngyellir. which In thirty .ive
Hes distant from Reykjsvis. has a
sird and indescibablc beauty and
sclnstion Of It's own There are
any rifts and assures In the lava GOV.
'red plains, which mako II danger.
"A Tor strangers 10 roam without n
iide Many OF these RITA In tho
Va rock arc almost hidden by the
ldergrow,h and An unwHry step
lEh, precipitsts one forty feet into
. oold water Of an unknown depth.
aui,o close 10 the Inn and tho par.
mage Ia the largest rift In the con.
on this 10 the Rock OF Laws, which
almost an island where nearly 1000
Ss ago laws we're made and judE