Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-12-19

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jamp, and play like other children, but their coun
enances exhibit fewer signs of the emotions foy or
sorrow, than are exhibited by children usually of a
much more tender age The doctors and learned
men as yet, have not been able to agree whether
they have language which can be understood by
each other, but the prevalent opinion, we believe is
that they have not
| Since they have been in this country, however,
the persons who have them in charge, have so far
succeeded in their efforts to instruct Them as to en-
able them to articulate several of English words
qnite distinctly. No one can behold these children
for the first time without being filled with wonder or
establishment, for, whether he believes or not the
strange story of the manner in which they were OBJ
tanned from the most sacred temple of Pagan city
in Central America which was never before visited
by white man, and which was not known to exist
ne has the evidence ofhis own Senses that humanity
is exhibited to him IN new phase.
The outlines Of the story which is told ST these
children may be stated IN brief as follows In his
book of travels in Central America, Stevens the eel
ebrated traveller narrates an interview which he
had with an old priest at Santa Cruz del Quch, who
told him that when he was very young man, ne
had seen from of the highest peaks of the Cor
dleras. splendid city, and that he had learned in
regard to it that it was inhabited by Indians of the
same character, and in precisely the same state as
those of the country in general before the discovery
of the continent, and the desolang conquests of the
invaders. To ascertain the truth Of this story, a
Mr.. Huertis of in Baltimore, who was wealthy and
fond ofrayel, determined to visit Central America,
and see for himself Accordingly in company with
Mr.. Hammond of Canada, he set out in the fall of
lS48, with abundant means for the prosecution of
his enterprise, and after almost unheard of pers and
hair breadth escapes himself and comrade, together
with their Indian guides made the discovery of the
unknown city, and effected an entrance within its
massive walls which were OF stone, and sixty feet
in height. Here they were Hospitality entertained by
the inhabitants, who appear to be seml-cviIized
people, but differing widely IN their manners and
customs from any nation upon the face the
earth. They had one of the wings of spacious
structure assigned to them for residence. which.
from time immemorial had been appropriated to the
surviving remnant of an ancient and singular order
of priests, called Kaanas who, it was distinctly as
serted in their annals and traditions had accompan.
led the first migratlons Of this people from the plain
f .assyria.
Forbidden by inviolabIy sacred laws from inter-
marrying with any persons but of their own caste,
they had here dwindled down, in the course ofmany
centuries, to few insignificant individuals, dimnu-
a.
were nevertheless held in high veneraton by the
lximayan community, and an order of their priests
was appointed as their legal and sacradota guardians.
To one of the younger brethren of this order so the
story goes these children were entrusted but he, Sc
duced by desire to the world violated his trust,
and with the children sought to make his escape
with our travellers. IIuestes was discovered, and
sacrificed TO the Sun by the Pagans as a punish
ment for his temeriiy. Hammond died of wounds
inflicted by the Indians, prior to his entrance into the
city; the guardian of the children died of hardslips
before himself and his charge had reached the civil
lied portions of the country; and the children were
brought off by old Catholic Priest, who acted as
guide in the adventure. We do not confess to any
beliefin the story, which is altogether as improbable
as any thing in the Arabian Nights entertainments
or Baron Munchausen, still as il is the only account
that we have of the origin of these singular beings
give for its worth, and advise such of our readers
may visit Boston, to call at the room in School ST..
where they are now exhibited, and see and Judge ror
themselves; for weare sure that they will feel richly
rewarded for the time and expense it may involve.
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! TT The University Of Rochester, N. Y, recent,
opened in that place unde the auspices of the Bapsts