The union Democrat., 1871-04-29

Maj. J. W. Powell, the explorer Of the Col
orado River, gave at Chicago an interesting
account Of the remnant of the once powerful
Aztec people which is located in the North
eastern portion OF Arizona. OF the many
millions Of this race who were scattered
throughout ancient Mexico at the time Of its
invasion by the Spanish, most were destroy
cd; come, il il true, were reduced to slavery.
or became assimilated to their conquerors or
the Indian tribes.
But way up in the northeast part Of Arizn-
ma there were seven cities 90 far away that
they escaped the ravaging hands Of the cruel
Spaniards. These cities remained still intact:
the people retained their old habits. religion,
and language, as handed down from their dis
tant ancestors. They made their clothing
and poetry. and built their houses just as
their progenitors did thousand years ago,
before the foot Of a white man had taken its-
cruel march 10 exterminate their race. So
there still remained perfect archaeological
link which enabled us 10 connect that distant
pastwith the present in some Ineligible FASH
ion. He had heen fortunate enough 10 spend
. few days with these people during the last
summer.
Their houses were erected on cliffs. often
descent. The different stories were built on
terraces. sc that il was necessary to ascend by
stone stairways and ladders. The first story
was generally devoted to siore-room purposes,
the second 10 workshops and kitchens. the
other stories being used for bedrooms and idol
chambers. Their clothing was very hand
some, OF a woven material. and they tnuk
great pride in il, washing il and drying it on
lines with mach care. Their language was
very soft and musical. and their welcome to
all strangers hofpitalle.
They raised seven kinds OF corn, hlack. pnr-
pie. and white, with other parti colored vari-
cites. Each one was obliged to cultivate the
peven kinds Of maiZe, as there was legend
connected with il that give the habit the sane
ton of religion. Whenever a stranger enter
ed a house. bread made of the different kinds
Of corn was offered, with melons, peaches, etc.
The bread was very palatahe. and made of
Underground corn, the dough rolled very thin
and bake1 into species Of crust. They culti-
waited cotton. and raised sheep and cattle with
great success. The time of corn planting was
al.o kept as religious festivitv. The nictur-
cd language of these neople was inscribed on
all the rocks for many hundreds Of miles.
But their records were chiefly on tablets Of
wood, and painted in different colors. The
chief of one of the cities had translated for
him soms Of these legends. more especially
relating 70 the invasion Of the Spsniards.
A habit Of the people was to take bath in
cold water on every morning befbre break
fat. Then all the unmarried men and hovs
were required to run race Of some five miles
before breakfast They were thus verv
fee: and athletic people, Injured to hardy ex-
ercises. Mai. Powell gave quite an animat-
ell description of n race between two of the
cities. The inhabitants turned out en- masse,
and cheered on the champions az thev bent
their energies to the exciting struggle, as the
OLD Greeks did in the Olvmpian games. They
had chambers dug out Of of the solid rock,
entered by gloomy porticos, into whose vesti-
bule even. but few permitted to enter.
These were consscra,ed for the preparation of
sacred games, a religious ceremony. After
great deal of difficulty, he succeeded in get
ting permission to enter tho sacred chamber,
and witness the ceremonies, which were con-
tinued for twentv-faur hours. Their prayers
were for rain principally, as water was tho
most precious uf all things 10 them. Sand.
both black and white, was brought and seat
tered in the water. indicating the fall of rain
and snow. On asking what the reason of the
symbol was, the answer was. perhaps the
gods had forgotten their language, il was so
long since they had been on earth; and they
wished to make things very plain to the DEF
ties. by n cans Of these symbols.
The lecturer entered into dissertation of
the ceremonies with great minutensss. At
ter those religious exercises of twenty-four
hours were concluded. the old priest came MP
to him and sa,d that he hoped he would I'M
derstand those ceremonies Alright. He sprink
led him over with holy water. and PRAYED for
him, that he might be good and virtuous
man; that he would represent things Alright
to his own people, when he returned. and tell
them about how they lived; that he would
ask the Great Father at Washington to take
care of them. Finally, he gave him his bles
sing.