The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-10-16
Instances of the Horrible Practice in
the Marquesas.
Qualifications of the Yictim-The Native
PeDchant for Young Women, Good
Templars, Missionaries and
Bsbies-The X Religious
Sacrifice.
tsan Francisco Chronicle. Sept. 2sJ

-
cisco is the first glimpse of civilization
he has had since he left his native home
in DanburY, Connecticut, twenty-seven
years ago. For twenty five years
and six months, precisely, ne has lived on a
group of islands Inhabited by ferocious canni-
bles and, fortunately for himself, has come
out hale and hearty, without ever having as
much as slice of human steak taken from
his anatomy. A Chronicle reporter, after a
considerable display of fascinating eio-
quence, mixed with offered petations of
spiritual delight, finally succeeded in secur.
IN an interview with Mr.. Chase, who, when
first approached, presented a decidedly war
like and hostile front. But under the sooth-
ing process adopted by the interviewer, the
latent bud of intellect rapidly bloomed
and bore fruit, which is now placed before
the mental palate of the reader. 1t is savory
dish. and can not fail TO send thrill of ex-
quisite sensation through every nerve OF the
body and brain.
CANNIBALIsM AS A FINE ART.
The group of islands on winch Mr. Chase
has passed his quarter of century is the
Marquesas, where before his own eyes he
has seen cannibalism pract;ced both as a fine
art and as fierce display OF human ferocity.
This horrible practice is INDUCED in prin-
cipslly to crafty deadly spirit of revenge
which one tribe of natives holds against
another. In the many brutal and bloody
civil wars which they have waged against
one another the slain and captured victims
are eaten with a vengeance. In their re
ligious rites, also, they offer up human sacri-
fees captured in battle. When victim is
selected for cannibal feast his body is
washed clean, and the hair of his head is
burned off. III the feast is not of a religious
character the victim is simply beaten to
death with war Clubs and when dead his
body is again washed and placed in large
oven dug into the earth The hole forming
the oven has a fire beneath, and over this is
a pile of round stones. On the top of the
stones mats made of strong material are
placed, in which the body is wrapped
up. These mats are then covered
over with a great pile of leaves, and
all is again covered with another layer of
mats The fire beneath absorbs enough OF
air to keeplt burning steadily, and soon
volume of steam is generated. This escapes
slowly through the mats and leaves, and
gradually the body becomes cooked through
this simple but certain steaming process
The cooks are Of superior skill in their pro.
feSsion, and can>tell to the instant when the
body is sufficiently 'done" to suit the tastes
of the guests. When ready to take il out of
the oven, all the material covering it is care
fully removed. aud when it comes to the last
layers surrounding the victim the mats are
taken off with sensitive touch, lest any of
the skin on the body should be torn away.
When all is bare, and the body looks brown
and beautifully cooked, q shout of demonIac
laughter rends the air, and the cooks are
complimented in the highest terms by the
hosts of cannibals thirstlng to enjoy the
dreadful luxury,
cASNIBAL DELEGATES.
The brain and the eyes are considered
the greatest delicacies, and are always given
TO the chiefs. The breasts, thighs and the
outer portion of the calves of the legs are the
next greatest luxuries, and in this category
also NAV be placed slices cut off from other
portions of the body. Ali the parts men
toned belong TO the chiefs and the chief
esses of high and low rank, according TO
their relative social status, while the rest of
the body and the entrails are savagely de-
voured by the common natives. The flesh
is eaten from the hand, and TO giveit greater
relish is dipped in native sauces. Cocoanuts,
ysms and various kinds of nuts are also
among the edibles, besides certain varieties
OF fish; but the piece de resistance is the
human portion of the spread. While the
feast lasts the greatest hllsriiy prevails, and
after il is Overa drunken orgie follows when.
ever the liquors native or imported, can be
procured. Scenes of the widest licentious-
ness accompany the reveI, and for days after
the cannibals are in state OF seuI- unCon-
scioUspess. They quietly retire to their huts
and allow sleep and nature to restore their
shattered constitutions. Sleep is their great
restorative, and after fearful debsuch they
will lie as il dead for space Of from ten to
fifteen hours.
EATING BEAUTIFUL YOUNG GIRL
Mr.. Chase was witness to fearful and re-
voting act of cannibalisn pracuced at the
little harbor of Atawana two years ago.
Young and beautiful girl had been captured
and brought in canoe to Atawana. She
belonged to tribe which was hercely hated
by her captors, and they determined to
avenge themselves upon her. She was taken
out into the center of the village, stripped
naked and bound. Then, with war clubs,
she was beaten and fell as il dead to the
ground. But while life yet fingered, wo'
man of Atawana rushed up to the PROSTATE
body. and, with a ferocious yell, dug her
fingers into the eyes of her victim, piucked
them out of their sockets and ate them In
the presence of the Infatuated and applaud
ing multitue. After wards, while the body
of the victim was yet warm, she was disam-
boweled and her entrails were taken out
and ieyoured, the caunibsls fighting with
each other for their share. Her whole body
was then cut to pieces and divided up
amonst the cannlbals present. While in
dulging in this almost incredible brutality
shouts of joyous vengeance were heard on
every side. The cannibals fairly reyeled in
devouring nearly every atom Of the body.
They washed down the flesh eaten with ma
tive intoxicating drinks, and after the car
mage was concluded a triumphant war
dance of vengeance followed.
SACRIFICING RELIGIOUS VICTIMS.
Great pomp and solemnIty surround vic
tins intended for religious sacrifices, and
none but high priests can oficiate in the
most solemn ceremonies. The priests have
numerous attendants, mostly young boys
who are being educated for priestly honors.
The victim selected is usually man OF note
among his tribe, and while he is in the
hands of his religious torturers, previous to
the act of sacrifice, receives some considera-
ton. When the hour arrives he Is placed
upon a large stone, to which his body is
bound firmly. The priests then chant low
walls, which increase in volume until it
seems as if they were shrleking. Charms,
spells and incantations are then brought into
play, the priests occasionally placing their
hands upon the intended sacrifice, who
never utters word from the time he is Sc
lected as sacrifice to the moment OF his