Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1881-03-25
AN ENCHANTED CAVE.
A Recent Discovery in New Mexi

vi y cavern Ill SnlOrlue district on ms
return to Hansonburg. Last Sunday
party consisting of Hanson, Proto,
O'Neil, Olden, Hoffmeyer, Leggit and
few other gentlemen provided them
selves with lights, ropes, etc, and ut
the break of day, alter a brisk walk of
several minutes, found themselves at
the entrance of the enchanted cave
\ strong current of air swept in the
cave with dirge-like sound, resem-
bling the harmony of an -Eolian harp.
The torches were soon i'll a blaze and
the Somber subterranean passage re-
ceived the first light 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. rs 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
Oscura was presented to the
now astonished explorers. After
brief rest the pilgrimage was resum-
ed but the sight that now greeted the
vision was Respondent 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 ut the
entrance had subdued and now resem-
bled the distant murmur, Il symphony
Mendolssohn executed on some grand
organ. This was soon succeeded by I'M
earthly yells, Uninterrupted from time
by 4 knocking laugh III deep base, but
the party were old-time frontiersmen,
dominions if there was but chance to
strike it rich. Impressed with what
they saw and heard the pilgrims were
soon ushered into iii apartment SO re-
splendent in beauty Stalactites from
the roof fully fifty feet from the floor,
and stalagmites running up to intersect
them half way, made the vast chamber
have the appearance of an alabaster
cathedral, with their teirs of columns
in regular order, connected bv wreaths
from column to column. At this mo-
ment 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
solid column to 4 height of five feet
then parting III the center TO fall in Il
thousand little streams and disappear
forever. Calling his companions, they
stood struck with establishment ut 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
nearl" exhausted, and after lighting the
remaining torches, the party started
back to the entrance. On their way
they found the carcass of II magniti
cent mountain lion, eleven feet from
tip to tip, the monster which but few
minutes before had demoralized the ad
venturers ut 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'Ncil, 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 payw Hanson, HOffmeyer and
the others came to the rescue with
promptness. A couple of shots put
out the lights, and they were engaged
in a conflict in the dark with an enemy
totally unknown to them. Finally
Hofimeyer gave leap, Selling acct
dentally, in the dark, what he thought
was his torch, but realized that he had
the terminal extremity of monster
rattlesnake. Keeping firm hold on
the monster until the torches were re
| lighted, then the large RATHER lay III his
dying agonies at the feet of the victo-
IIOtio prosperous. 1ilC oHdhC lIitdIo-
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 quart Of
oil. Upon being opened a 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 Il
correspondent on the spot.
Mrs. Mahone's Apprehension.
Senator Malone, Of Virginia, is very
thin man. The following story, illus
trative of his exceeding lameness, IS
told Of him During the war, while in
command of division of confederates,
he had the misfortune to be wounded,
but not seriously. An acquaintance
about to visit Richmond was requested
to call upon the generals wife for the
purpose of relieving any anxiety she
MIGHT fool Inv aypIaininp the nature