The King of Denmark has visited Iceland, on the thousandth
anniversary of the settlement of the island, and himself " inaugu- rated " the new Constitution. He was well received, but not enthusiastically, and the Constitution is evidently only accepted as an instalment of justice,—one old farmer pronouncing, amidst general applause, a speech which meant that it would do when very greatly improved. The main objections appear to be that the King can promulgate decrees having the force of law when the Althimg is not sitting, that Iceland is shabbily treated about money, and that the power of veto is expected to be too real. The con- trol over local funds is, however, conceded to the Althing, and that, if wisely used, should involve self-government. We fear, however, freedom does not much matter in Iceland. The people, for want of capital, cannot make the roads essential to the use of their mineral treasures ; the areamt cultivared.land decreases, and the most energetic are emigrating year by year. Indeed, it is difficult to understand why, in a community so ill-placed, yet educated and civilised, anyone remains. Cannot they get an island in the Pacific for themselves ?
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