River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1881-03-24
AN ENCHANTED CAVE.
A Recent Discovery in New Mexico
Secorro sun.


A Recent Discovery in New Mexico.
Socorro sun.
Dave ONeil reported the discovery
of a cavern in Chloride district on his
return to Hansonburg. Last Sunday
party consisting of Hanson, Proto.
O'Neil, 0lden, Hoffmeyer, Leggit and
few other gentlemen provided them
selves with lights, ropes, etc, and at
the break of day, after brisk walk of
several minutes, found themselves at
the entrance of the enchanted cave.
A strong current of air swept in the
cave with dirge-like sound, resem-
bling the harmony of an Eolian harp.
The torches were soon in blaze and
the Somber subterranean passage re
ceived the first lighe of modern man.
Five hundred yards of travel was soon
effected. The inpalpable dust of ages
lay ankle deep on the floor of the pas
sage. The party found further progress
impossible. as at this point yawning
chasm opened at their feet Lights
were lowered, steps were hewn in the
solid rock now seen winding in spiral
form. The party proceeded to descend.
After counting 123 steps they reached
the bottom, 124 feet from the first de-
scending step. Here an arched OPEN
ing running IN the direction of the
now astonished explorers. After
a brief rest the pilgrimage was resum-
ed but the sight that now greeted the
vision was resplendent with beauty.
The purest stalactites of crystallized
carbonate of lime hung from the cell
ing Wreaths ofpink colored sulphates
of lime, quartz and spar, crystals stud
ding the sides, the rough miner for
once lost his individuality, and found
himself in the FAIRIES realm. The mel
ody which had struck the ears at the
entrance had subdued and now resem-
bled the distant murmur, n symphony
Mendolssohn executed on some grand
organ. This was soon succeeded by I'M
earthly yells, interrupted from time
by knocking laugh in a deep base, but
the party were old-time frontiersmen,
with pluck enough to envade Satan's
dominions there was but chance to
strike it rich. Impressed with what
they saw and heard the pilgrims were
soon ushered into an apartment SO re-
splendent in beauty. Stalactites from
the roof fully fifty feet from the floor,
and stalagmites running upto intersect
them half way, made the vast chamber
have the appearance of an alabaster
cathedral, with their teirs of columns
in regular order, connected by wreaths
from column to column. At this mo-
ment a tragic event occurred. Olden
in the distance had perceived
what he thought was mass of
curious quartz crystals, but on APP
preaching it he discovered living
spring jutting from the floor, rising in
n solid column to height of five feet,
then parting in the center to fall in
thousand little streams and disappear
forever. Calling his companions, they
stood struck with astonlshment at the
beautiful sight. Hanson and Proto
having an eye to business were in the
act of investigating side drift when
an enormous animal sprang from his
lair prostrating the adventurous min
ers, and scattering and prostrating the
others in every direction. The report
of dozen revolvers vibrated to the
unknown depths, and some of the fra
gile formations on the ceiling to the
floor. The conclusion puts out the
lights. The supply of light being now
nearly exhausted, and after lighting the
remaining torches, the party started
back to the entrance. On their way
they found the carcass of a magniti-
cent mountain lion, eleven feet from
tip to tip, the monster which but few
minutes before had demoralized the ad
venturers at crystal fountain. The foot
of the stairs was soon reached, and
after and exceeding fatiguing ascent,
the chloride miners were upon the
point of entering the last passage when
the whole party were thrown into disor-
der by O'Neil, who was frantically strik-
ing some huge object with his torch,
crying out at the same time with en-
ergy, Come on, come wick. Here's
hell to payV Hanson, Hoffmeyer and
the others came to the rescue with
promptness. A couple of shots put
out the lights, and they were engaged
in conflict in the dark with an enemy
totally unknown to them. Finally
Hoffmeyer gave leap, Selling acct
dentally, in the dark, what he thought
was his torch, but realized that he had
the terminal extremity of q monster
rattlesnake. Keeping firm hold on
the monster until the torches were re-
lighted, then the large rattler lay in his
dying agonies at the feet of the victo-
rious prospectors. The snake meas
ured eight feet in length and eight
inches in diameter. 1t was brought to
Hansonburg in triumph, and when
dressed for its oil, which is much priced
by frontiersmen, it yielded a quart of
oil. Upon being opened brass collar
and paddock worn by Jack Hanson's
bull pup; which had disappeared some
days before, was found. The skin of
the monster is now on exhibition in
the cabinet of minerals in Joe O'Brien's
Palace saloon in this place, open to the
inspection of all. The extraordinary
cavern will be explored next week to
its utmost length, and we will have u
correspondent on the spot.