The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-01-12
Gales, Shttcbes, 4netOOtts, &t
EyEsTER EskNEAE.
InteresfIng DiscoveIfrs--Saye OF : K
ctoEs and & CuriGsities la Iowa.

On Saturday last discovery, fully as
wonderful as any yet reported in the
northwest was made by the workmen on
the Dubuque and Minnesota railroad, near
the base of one of The tall, frowning bluffs
overlooking the river, short distance
above Eagle Point. At the foot Of the
blaff squad of workmen were engaged
in excavaling the loose Stratifcd limestone
rock for the railroad track, and while
digging away with pick, spade and crows
bar in the side of the bank they suddenly
found their further progress arrested by a
large, smooth, square stone, on the outer
surface of which was inscribed a number
of strange characters and devices, which
none of the unlettered work men, of course,
could make out. Under the direction of
the foreman, and by the united exeEiions
of a number of men, the stone was re-
moved, when, to their great astonishment.
there succeeded a violent rush of cold air,
from large, square opening, which eX-
tended into the bluff in horizontal direc-
lion, the air rushing out with such force
that lighted taper held in the mouth Of
stant Inspired by the thoughts Of hidden
treasure and thinking that perhaps cache
of some of the early explorers had been
unearlhed was resolved to explore the
mystery al once, and bring out tho strong
chests and precious gems reposlng some~
where therein. Lights were procured,
and, holding candle in each hand, five
| men, headed by the foreman, set out TO
explore the snbtecranean passage, which
was about four feet wide, and high enough
to permit man to walk by bonding over
4 little. Cropping their way along eau
tiousiy, and casting many fearful glances
around them, as though they expected
every moment 10 encounter some dreadful
spectre, the party proceeded along the
tunnel, which extended directly into the
heart of the bluff about fifty feet, when
they found their way impeded by another
large stone. Removing this they found
flight of stone steps leading downward
a distance of ten feet, and descending
these, the party found themselves in what
appeared to be huge chamber, cut out
of the solid rock, about twenty-five feet
square, and twenty feet high. For a
moment the men stood lost in admiration
at this wonderful work. The floor be
meath was hard and perfectly smooth,
while by the dim light of the candles they
could see that the walls were embelilshed
with a multitude of uncouth characters
and figures, intended to represent birds,
trees, and other natural objects, all carved
in solid limestone. Ga the south wall
appeared representation OF the sun, and
Immediately below this was the figure OF
man clad in a loose, flowing robe, in
the act of stepping ont OF boat, and
holding in his hand dove. The root OF
the chamber was embellished with stars,
serpents and chariots, the outlines OF all
being revealed plain and distinct. In the
center of the apartment was large fiat
slab, and upon removing this a large vault
was revealed below, which WAS filled with
the skeletons of some unknown race, all
Of them being in a sitting or standing
postare, and almost perfectly preserved,
even TO the smaller bones. 1t was noticed
that ali had originally been inferred with
their faces TO the southwest. BY the side
of each skeleton stood small vase of the
most perfect form and finish, each being