The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-23
THE GIANT WONDER.
Where 1t was DiscOvcred-The Main Quos.
tions Ii IL u Statue a Petrifactione 6tilI
Observation-Disclosures i'm the Way
tFrOm the SYRACUSE IN. VI JOurnal. Oct. 2I.J

Observation-Disclosures in the Way.
From the Syracuse IN. " Journal Oct 2lI
THE LOCALITY OF THE DISCOVERY.
The Newell farm, upon which the recent famous
archaeological discovery was made, Is located on the
west side Of Onondaga Valley. about tree.quarters
OF mile IN westerly direction from the village OF
Cardiff and about thirteen miles from this city.
Inc dwelling is modest little white wooden house,
moderate size, suited to the wants OF small farmer,
The place OF the discovery Ia about dozen rods from
These premises are at the foot or what is known n
Bear Mountain which rises abruptly at the west Of
the Newell dwelling The small white tent covering
the now noted spot where the discovery was made
can be seen on the approach by the main road &c
distance OF about mile and half Looking down
preached the shelter tent Ii In plain view, with
groups OF men In lta vicinity aud In the road near
parties or visitors The number Of curiosity seekers
who nave sought this novelty since It's discovery IL
estimated o. thousands and sti the tide continues.
without Indications OF immediate cessation We
have heard Of no visitor who has not felt himself
fully recompensed, and many declare that 1t rs the
most interesting spectacle they have witnessed.
THE PROPRIETOR OF THE WONDER.
The fortunate Mr.. Newell ID apparently about
thirty I'VE years old. good natured, homespun sort
OF farmer. He has been In moderate circumstances.
the cOntsnted owner Of the small farm he resides
upon which has been the property OF the family lor
out the vicinity as "StubD" Newell. His reputation
IL that OF sober, industrious and worthy crizen,
low. All who know him are glad that he las met
with ms present good fortune. His friends admit
ss Ne mas ysr tine %
idea that his mental balance has been dis-
turbed. That the extraordinary good luck which
the Newell family has stumbled upon has had some
effect, 10 shown by an incident related by lady
visitor from this city. She was hungry after her
long ride from home, and made inquiry for dinner
the house. when she was CURLY informed by one OF
the women folks that they didn't do such things now.
HARSH REPORTS IN CIRCULATION.
There are some rumOrs flying about the adjacent
country which reflects severely upon the parties who
are the gamers by the discovery. There are ndivi-
In nta uyhA dn hAdttu ia
bug and who cite circumstances that indicate some
basis for these aleGaI1uB. We have yet to learn
anything that gives sufficient ground FOR these
THE MAIN oUEsTIoN-ls IT STATUE Or A psrRr.
FACTION 7
The controversy regarding the origin ana nature
OF the wonderful object Is nowhere more earnestly
prosecuted than In the tent where the exhibition il
putants. by whom all the visible evidences bearing
thereupon are cogently presented. The persons In
Theory although they do not oStrSde their opinions
nor express them at all except when invited 80 to
d. These persons are friends and neighbors Of Mr..
Newell, who, ut his request have undertaken TO aid
him In the extraordinary situation IN which he finds
himself placed. 1t Is alleged that very decided
who have visited the LOCALITY are the side OF the
theory OF petriiacuon. =. But the advocates Of
f Dc 'nsoas a work Of nsys Are S
tened to very able and learned arguments ON
both sides OF the question, and there are facts
alleged that strongly support the two opinions Il
would seem that the vexed question might be very
readily determined by some OF the decisive tests that
are applied IN such cases. But o difficulty has been
lnterposed IN the way OF SUCH decision. The prOprt-
etOr OF the statue, or petrifacOn, has since Sunday
steadfastly refused to permit close examination
by men who are specially competent to apply tests
and form opinions. DR.. Boynton, who was early
present, and availed himself OF his opportunity, Ii
probably the only scientific investigator who has
been allowed to scrutinze closely. His conclusions
are entitled to weight and he states frankly that he
stakes his professional reputation upon their correct
ness. But his decision Is not fully satisfactory.
and the investigation and determination OF other
Swans are necessary TO settle the matter to general
satisfaction.
WHY DECISION IS NOT REACHED-COMPETENT
JUDGES REBUFFED.
We were much entertained by the relation of q
conversation held between Mr.. Newell and one OF
the ables. men resident in OnOndaga county who
has enjoyed the advantages OF scientific education
ana Is well quallfed 10 pass judgment upon tho
and from outside the railing inspected the wonder.
full object but the attendants declined to allow him
even TO PUT his hand upon 1t. He then sought out
Mr. Newell and modestiy preferred arequest that he
examination. Mr.. Newell replied that this couldn't
be, that he wouldn't allow everybody to handle
1t, for 1t might get broke, and that only some
men who knew about minerals could be per-
mitted to investigate. The visitor stated that lie
believed he knew something about minerals. ana
that as he had seen and examined nearly every
important WORK OF the scuptor's art in this cOun-
try, he thought he was competent to reach an intel
ligent conclusion in this instance The answer by
the stolid Newell was q Dat refusal. Many others,
including educated and experienced physiol0gists
with the same rebuH. We do not state these things
merely to find fault with Mr. Newell or his advisers,
for we not certain that they liable TO be held
responsible for these things but to show the general
public why the question they take so much interest,"
IN remains unsolved. When Agassiz Hall or some
other distinguished scientific investigators shall
have come, examined and rendered Judgment, the
mystery Will be unfolded. Patience must be exer.
CiSed meanwhile.