The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1912-10-18

Is pTOOADly OlmCulL 1O- the aver
age tourist, health seeker or
sportsman to realize that within
four days Reykjavik, the capital
of Iceland, can be reached from
Leith.
Yet such il the case, and perhaps
II 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 l 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 1903. 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 a short speech, after which
the band struck up the Icelandic ma
tional anthem. a 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 we're 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 In the rear. The procession
then proceeded to the cemetery, where
a massive laurel wreath was placed
On Sigurdsson's grave. which is
The capital itself is modern and
up to date. While l was there Dan
sh theatrical company performed In
the little theater. and an excellent
cinematograph entertainment was
held every night, where one might see
verifying from the coronation pro.
cession to the Grand National.
Ouo OI lu0 lWO &c anu COLnIOTI-
able hotels boasts OF excellent music
N the restaurant every evening, both
summer and winter
The althing or parliament consists
II forty members. who represent the
10000 inhabitants on the island, of
which IL 900 reside IN Reykjavik.
1t is not generally known that Ice
rarliaments. In 929 a representative
,arliament was constituted. and its
irst meeting was held at Thingvsilir.
great sunken plane between two
va riffs. with Thingvalla lake before
t and the gigantic Broadshield noun
ain looking down upon it.
Thingvellir. which is thirty-five
niles distant from Reykjssik. has q
weird and indescribable beaJty and