The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1878-03-09
THE PUEBLOS.
strange PeOple-Their ReM eiOI
and Traditions "A Perpetual Fire.


A Strange PeOple-Their RaIi zion
and Traditions "A Perpetual Fire.
The Pueblos are generally considered
as Catholics Some OF them have been
made Protestants through efforts of mis-
sionaries. There is no doubt. however,
that they still continue their old mode OF
worship. Montezuma is remembered
aud revered and dreaded by them. He
is to the Pueblos what Jupiter WAS to the
ancient heathens, or Mohammed to the
Arabs, and they as constantly expect his
return as does the Christian that Christ
will make second visit to this earth
They confound the religion Of Monte
yuma and the Catholic faith to some ex-
tent, but they vsry likely do this for the
sake of continuing their old forms. 1t
is generally believed that they are as de-
vout Christians as they pretend. One
OF the most intelligent OF them being
asked which of the two religions he
thought most of. replied that both were
good evading direct reply. The inter.
loCutor, who is prominent citizen OF
Santa Fe, who himself told NJ of the
conversation, dismissed the subject for
the time, but returned TO it in the course
of half an hour, Then he asked the
chief if he were compelled to surrender
either faith, which would he most readily
part with? The reply came that Pu-
eblos could never cease to worship Mon
tezuma.
At many places they keep fire burn
ing in his honor, which has not been al
lowed to die out for hundreds of years
One of these eternal fires is now burn
ing at Taos. Antonio Joseph, who Is
County Judge of Taos county, and a
most intelligent gentleman, told me that
he had seen the fire only a few years
since. This is privilege granted to but
tho smallest possible few A gentleman
from New York. who took great in,
terest in the Pueblos, spent several
months in Taos. He made them many
presents, and 80 ingra.iated himself into
their favor that they permitted him to
sac the sacred flame, also allowing Mr..
Joseph to go along with the New York
gentleman. The place allotted to the
fire is the central and largest one Of theil
seven estufa. This is great subtarra
mean chamber, generally used as Coun
Gil Chamber. The whole seven are stu
ated near the houses. The FIRE wal
merely smouldering when Mr.. JOSEPH
saw it, and it is probable that it nevel
burns very brightly. AS Mr. Joseph un
derstsnds the tradition in regard to Mon
tZuma, it is that he was tyrant. Oi
account of some trAnsgression, be visi et
enc earth many hundred years ago art
put his followers to work in the mines
But when he got ready ia take his de
parture he told them on condition tha
they would keep fire burning to remin
Themselves Of his requirements, he woul
excuse them from this labor. But
they allowed the fire to die out, even TO
an instant, he would return and aRai
punish them as they shonld deserve. S
saying he covered up the mines and too
his departure. The fire was built. an
year after year. d csde after decade
century upon century has it continue
to burn without ceasing. The practic
has been kept up 30 long and the fait
soinrooted into the simple mind Of th
Indians that it cannot be wondered th,
they regard this fre.room the holy {
holles, more precious to them than wa
the Arcana to the Jews. The fire is fe
and protected by twelve men of the vi
iage. who are selected annually, eac
twelve serving till their successors al
chosen. They are taken from the
families and placed near the estuf
where they are compelled to remain fl
twelve months without speaking VOL
to an outsider The other Indians k@e
we'll out of their way, and offer no il
pucement that would call their attentic
Tor moment from their duty. Th'
never go out except to get wood to fe,
the everlasting flame. their famili
carrying their food to thsm, and givil
It to them as silently as if they we
feeding angels The men are CALI
monjeys-the pronunciation being {
most monkeys. Il wonder they do n
adopt the English word.)
Some of the Pueblos have dropp
the custom. But there is no doubt tn
they retain their faith in Montezum
Dr. Thomas told me that at Moqui
mad at sunrise seen great numbers g
ting on mesa, crouohed upon their fe
and with elbows on their knees, and
gazing toward the East. He was aft
wards told that they were watching
Montezuma, whose arrival is expected
take place at sunrise. The one "
should first see him would certain
receive, they said. some great favor
MS hand. At Taos the Indians oft
range themselves on the bridge acre
tne little stream near by at both sunr
ana sunset. and chant unearthly soun,
-lssnta Fe Correspondent Of the D.