The union Democrat., 1869-02-13
An Incredible Discovery.
ALL HOPE ABANDON, YE WHO ENTER IN ?
From the Rock Island Argus, Jan. 81

From the Rock Island Argus, Jan. g.
We have the pleasure this evening of law
ing before our readers, the result of one of the
most thrilling and profoundly interesting
| subterranean exploring expeditions, ever at
tempted on this continent. 1t is nothing less
than an underground passage rag under Rock
Bldad-the present site Of the United States
Arsenal, and the discovery of antiquarian rel
les of the rarest and most interesting charac-
ter.
The entrance to n large cave-as our home
readers are doubtless aware-is plainly visi-
BILE from the ferry landing, as we'll as other
portions of our city bordering on the river
bank, and, although some ten feet in diam
eter at the entrance, it gradually dimin-
ishes in size until some twenty-five feet are
reached, when it is with difficulty that per-
son can effect an entrance by crawling
through the aperture, but, when once fairly
through, there is no difficulty in standing
erect.
Until the recent interesting discoveries
were made by the enterprising explorers,
an Eastern scientific society, and who are
now sojourning in our city, this cave has new
er been known to be over 100 feet in depth,
and has possessed nothing more than ordin-
| ary interest, except as having been thought
by the stern old Sac warrior, Black Hawk,
tn have been the chosen abode of the Great
! Spirit that presided over their destinies. But
upon close examination at the terminus of
one of the darkest and most intricate recesses.
a narrow cavity was discovered in the rock,
and by the aid cf a torch forced into it, an
interior apartment was found, upon entering
which the party were enabled TO explore the
subterraneous passage for distance of near
| ly l "a .
six feet in width and about nine in height.
and is evidently natural cavern, though in
several places there are evidences Of its hav-
ing been widened. as chise! marks can be
distinctly discovered on the walls-besides
numerous small recesses at regular intervals
of fifty feet which bear traces of having been
hewn out of the massive solid rock
| The second corridor, leading from the main
one, is very Notwithstanding six pom
derous pillars enwreathed with gorgeous dec
orations. Beyond this is shorter chamber
! in which is the entrance to the Sdnc.um sane
forum, and which contains one of the grand
est collections of antiquarian curiosities ever
| discovered on this continent. 1t contains a
| huge pedestal In the centre, constructed of
solid copper, upon which is erected mag
nticent shrine, with its unique inscription,
denotes the antiquity of its devotees Sur
rounding it are the colossal figures of the
twelve worshppers in kneeling posture, and
quite contiguous to them is the symmetrical
though diminutive figure of an Indian mai
den, with countenance of surprising beau
ty, and strongly marked features, indicative
Of deep thought and wondering surprise,
pointing with one hand to the expressive
word engraved upon the !SheoL-indi-
eating thereby that the end of their destiny
and race is at hand. Above them all, on its
projecting and crescent-shaped roof, are ar
ranged in systematic precision, cross-bows,
arrows, and other weapons in warlike proeus-
ion-remindpg one of the ancient sons OF
Persia and Greece.
The atmosphere in this apartment is al
most unfit tn sustain animal life, being damp,
heavy and very impure. The torches of the
exploring party were several times extin-
guished, and the persons having the expedi-
ton in charge barely escaped suffocaton.
Immediately adjoining the room containing
these wonders is an ohelisk of solid brass
some seven feet in height. beautifully sculp-
tured on four sides. There are, in all, 81
| small hass-reliets, and above, below, and be-
tween them Is carved an Inscription &c lines
| IN length. The whole is in the best state Of
preServaton-scarcely character of the in
scripton il wanting, and the figures are As
sharp and we'll defined as If executed onlv a
few days ago. One of the scenes represented
is a circle of the ancient aborigines sitting in
cnuncil-with the all-porent pipe of peace
perfnrming it's wonted circuit, while the for
tunes of war and peace are being discussed
in the presence of the white-winged presiding
genius. Another scene represented is roy
al chieftain followed by his attendants
prisoner is at his feet. while men are being
introduced leading various animals and car.
rying ponder9us croSs-hows. javelins. and
other weapons. The animals represented are
the elephant polar bear, lion. stag. and yari
! Gus kinds of monkeys. The ornaments del
icstely craven on the robes Of the party, TIE