The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1912-10-03

W | is prODdDly QlHiCuit III liS dfSi-
age tourist, health seeker or
sportsman to realize that within
four days Reykiavik, 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
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 1903, had their own
minister. who, under the direction OF
a parliament which meets every two
years. looks after the affairs OF the
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 tthe 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 lcelaEdic 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 were all in
uniforms. the town and county conn
cilors, the decorated cars and little
| girls and boys (the former all dressed
in white) carrying the national flas
came IN the rear. The procession
| then proceeded 10 the cemetery, where
a massive laurel wreath was placed
on Si~gurdsson's grave, which il
| marked by a handsome monument.
The capital itself is modern ant
up TO date. While | was there a Dan
| ish theatrical company performed IL
the little theater, and an excellen'
cinematograph entertainment was
held every night. where n might SEE
everything from the coronation pro
cession to the Grand National.
One of the two large and comfort
| able hotels boasts of excellent music
in The restaurant every evening, bot
summer and winter.
The althing or parliament consist
Of forty members, who represent tn
10000 inhabitants on the island, o
which II 900 reside in Reykjavik.
Il is not generally known that Ice
' land and not Britain Is the mother O
parliaments. In 929 a representative
parliament was constituted. and 1t
first meeting was held at Thingvellil
a great sunken plane between tw'
lava riffs, with Thingyalla lake befor
ii and the gigantic Broadshield mour
tain looking down upon 1t.
Thingvellir, which Is thirty-iv
miles distant from Reykjavik, has
weird and indescribable beauty an
fascination of it's own. There ar
many riffs and assures in the lava COZ
yered plains, which make 1t dangeI
Gus for strangers to roam without
guide. Many of these riffs in tn
lava rock are almost hidden by tn
underground aud an unwary ste
might precipitate one forty feet int
ice cold water of an unknown depth.
Quite close to the inn and the pc
sonage is the largest rift. In the Gel
ter of this is the Rock OF Laws, whic
Is almost an island. where nearly LOO
years ago laws 9 made and jud