The New Orleans crescent., 1869-01-17
The Reported Dl.coverie. ut Sock 1.laua.
WONDERFUL RELICs-sTATUEs IN coPPER-AS ORE
LISK OF BRASS.


The Rock Island (Illinois) Argus gives the fol-
lowing particulars of the reported discovery OF
aboriginal relics at that place. remarkable
story, if true, and ingenious hosxif untrue. In
either case, the story Is worth reading.
| The Argus says:
| We have the pleasure this evening of laying be.
fore our readers the result of one of the most in.
| terestlng subterraneous exploring expeditions
| ever attempted on this continent. 1t is nothing
less than an underground passsgewsy under Rock
lsland-the present site Of the United States ar.
senal, end the discovery Of antiquarian relics of
the rsrest and most interesting character
Inc entrance TO large cave-as our home
Ieapers are doubtless aware-is plainly visible
from the Terry landing, as well other portions
OF our city bordering on the river bank and al.
though some ten feet in diameter at the entrance
It gradually dimiDishes in size until some twenty.
nVe feet are reached when il is with difficulty
.Rst person can eiiect an entrance by era Wing
through the aperture, but when once fairly
through, there is no difficulty in standing erect.
Onul The recent interesting discoveries were
msoe by the enterprising explorers representing
an eastern scientific society, and who are now so.
gournlng IN our city, this cave has never been
known 10 be over one hundred and twenty feet in
oepth, snd hes possessed nothing more than or.
olnary interest, except as having been thought by
me stern old Sac warrior, Black Hawk, to have
Deen the chosen abode of the great spirit IN AZ
presided over their destiuies But noon close ?.
animation at the terminus of one Of the darkest
enc most intricate recesses q narrow cavity was
1iscoVered IN the rock, and by the aid of torch
IoIoeo lnIo IT, an interior apartment was found
upon entering which the party were enable TO ex.
piore the subterfaneous passage for a distance of
nearly one thousand feet. The main passare ia
some six feet in width and about nine in height
spd IS evidently a natural cavern, though in some
places there are evidences of its having been
widened, as chisel marks can be distinctly discov-
cred on the walls-besides numerous small re-
cesses 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 exttnslve-containing six ponderous pillars
enWreathed with gorgeous decorations Beyond
tes IS shorter chamber, in which is the entrance
70 tne SGnctuna sdnctol1un. and which contains
one OF the Prandest collections of antiquarian Gu
rosltes ever discovered on this comment II
contains huge pedestal in the center constructed
OF soIa copper, upon which is erected magnif-
cent shrine which with its unique inscription de-
notes the antiquity Of its devotees. Surrounding
II are tbe colossal figures of the twelve worship
ers 10 kneeiing posture, and quite contiguous TO /
tDem is the symmetrical though diminutive figure 4
OF an Indian maiden, with countenance of sur 1
passing beauty, and strong marked features, in
ulcatlVe or deep thought and wondrous surprise !
pointing with one hand TO the expressive word /
eDgrsved upon the wsll-SheOl-indicatin there
oy that the end Of their destiny and race Is at
1snd. Above them all, on its projecting and
,Iescent-shaped roof, are arranged in systematic
precision, crOssbOws, arrows and other weapons
2 Warlike Observation-Disclosures one OF the ancient
ions Of Persia and Greece.
The atmosphere in this apartment is almost unfit
Q sustain animal life. being damp, heavy and
Tery impure. The torches of the exploring marty
we're several times extinguished, and the persons
sving the expedition in charge barely escaped
uioeetion.
BRASS oBELIsK.
Immediately adjoining the room containing these
'onoers Is an obelisk of solid brass-some seven
set In height, beautifully scuptured on four Sides
mere are, IN all, twenty-one small bas-reefs, and
bove, below and between them IL carved an in.
'ription seventy-six lines in length. The whole