Constantine republican. [volume] (Constantine, Mich.) 1836-1838, 1837-03-22
From the CINCINNATI Wing.

From the CINCINNATI whig.
The Ruins in isconsin.-Meagre notices Of
the ruins Of some supposed city of ancient times,
upon branch of Rock river, have come to us
from the East and from the West. That such
ruins have been discovered we have no reason to
doubt, but the accounts arc so wanting in detail
and certainty, that speculation upon their age or
origin, at present were fruitless. In Philadel.
phia paper it is stated, with an absurd credulity,
that, from an inscription upon rude portal tho
city, its name was ascertainod to be Aztalan. In
what language the said inscription was made or
by what Champolion it was deciphcrcd, we arc
not informed. In the western papers, with moro
show of reason it is stated that tho ruins have boon
named Axtallan, froT an idoa which is believed
to be prevalent in some part of Mexico that there
was in ancient times city of that name in tho
north parts ofN. America"
The tradition supposed to DO referred to in the
latter conjecture is the one mentioned by Hum
boldt of the Aztcqucs, or early inhabitants Of
Mexico. Their Thoroughbred history (accord.
their original abode. Aztlan signifies not city
but the country of Cranes or Flamingoes. From
Aztlan by successive removals, constructing cit
les at different points along the route, they final
" arrived and settled in Tocuchtitlln or Mexico.
It is not probable that the ruins in question arc
entitled to this name as being the spot which tho
Azteques started on their pilgrimage to the
South. LIST. Because she tradition makes Aztlan
the abode or first place of reunion, of the fathers
of tho racs after some great deluge; and 2ndly.
Because the country about the ruins docs not cor
rosnond with tho name indicated by the hiero-
clyphics-to wit a lake or sea, ffequented by
Crimes. Flamingoes or water fowl. 1t may how
ever be possible, that this was ono of the resting
or abiding places Of the Aztequcs--or at least was
constructed by part of that tribe or some other
kindred tribe equally skilled in the art of building.
bt
none according to Humboldt, to the north of tho
river ella, which falls into the gulf Of California.
s.There ara no remains at this day OF any ancient
civilization of tho human species to the north OF
| the river Gila."
JJpon the banks of this river sometime in the
latter part of the last century, missionary named
| Father Garces discovered tho ruins of n kind Of
strong castle, with its sides exactly arranged to
| the cardinal points. These traces were suppos-
cd TO correspond with the tradition quoted.
our ruins belonged to the same people they must
be of great antiquity as the Aztequos according TO
thor chronology arrived in Mexico in 1l96-hav-
| ing left Aztlan in 1065.
| 1t is stated that burnt brick was found among
these ruins. This is probably mistake, as the
Mexicans we believe, us,d either stone or nnburnt
brick (briques non cuitcs) in their leocuiiis ana
other erect;ons. and we hardly think that at an
anterior period thcy understood or usca inc pro-
cess of burning them
The wholo subject is full of interest 10 ell, and
em;nentlv recommends itself to the antiquary and
tho historian. and we hope thai it will soon be sd-
eouataly illustrated; but until we shall have more
complete and authentic accounts ofthesc rains
their position to the points Of the compass, theft
extent, plan, material Of construction, &C., il will
be vain TO enter into spcculations concerning
them. An accurate detail Of facts Ia wanted foi
tho b,sis Of REASONABLE, conjecture. All we car
do in tho IN awhile is, TO correct or expose the
unauthorized guesscs of ignoraucs or prOsump
tios,