Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-10-01
MYSTIC RITUALS.
Ancient Indian Cerern0niaEs-Tyte En-
shanted Carern at Mfsenescsuhon.

Correspondence ct. raul GlODeI
Indian legends, though vague and mys-
teal, give an insight into the aboriginal
history and secret cersmonials of the dusky
warriors that is generally interesting, and
oftentimes instructive.
Lake Minnewaukon, now known by per-
verse translation as DEVILS Lake, was evil
IDENTIFY one of the principal gathering
points of the Dakota Sioux Its
vast expanse of water, its beauti-
full groves, its surrounding hills
and green wales caught the eye of the
red man as it noH catches the eye OF the
tenderfoot, and is l-..a sLcprising tat
pow vows and couciayes were held at This
interesting spot.
But the legends OF the Dakota Sioux re-
fer particularly to the wonderful cavern
situated somewhere near the northwestern
point of Lake MinneWankop, q cavern
used for their secret meetings and medi-
cine dances. Il was reached through
al arched passage in the bluff side
and its interior was not only lit up by the
blaze Of thousand flaming torches butc1ys-
tai stalactites depending from every por.
ton of the ceiling fla had ndrefashed the
darting rays making the great room
bright and brilliant.
The secret orders, or societies OF the In
dians must needs have such places as this
Tor their poWwows especially when taking
In new brothers. The legends give but
meagre desociptions of these limitations,
but there is sufficient to indicate that their
proceedings We're inclined towards barbar-
ism, and subm. lted to by the novices in
order to show their faith and zeal in the
cause.
By certaic signs and passwords admis-
sion to the cavern was gained, and the
would-be nember brought before the
grand council. Attired III dark colored
suit trimmed with beads and rings, he was
led ky the young braves before the grand
inquisitor, and underwent his preliminary
examination, in the course Of whichihe
admitted that ne believed in the elevation
of man. immediately the belt of a war
rior was placed upon him and he was ele-
waited bodily heavenwards by means of
rope attached to one of the staIacites above.
On returning to the floor he took
refreshing draught from the golden bowl
and took seat upon cake of ice until
he was thoroughly rested. Having look
ed with longing eyes upon fair maiden
Of hostile tribe he hesitated about
renouncipg ell frien aship for enemies of
his nation aDdlhe was compelled to run the
gauntlet over iron spikes that penetrated
MS sole at every ster. Spcsumbing to this
ordeal he took the necessary oath. Then
be was taken before the medicine mon for
examination. BY taking knife and
gashing his aims and breast he proved
himself to be Of coed courage and he was
declared worthy of full fellow
ship. Wierd music foated through
the elm hall with low, sweet cadence as
he was escorted to The furnace. The fires
we're at white heat and with a red hot iron
and tremendous wh0op he was branded
a warrior Of the Minnewaukons. Thence
he returned to the grand council chamber
where he signed the constitution and be-
came member in full fellowship.
Then con Iae1ced the dance. Elves and
sprites appeared from all directions, and
taking tawny partners they balanced and
swung, and circled and sung to the strains
of fairy music.
A brief reference to the embellishments
of this wonderful cavern may not be out
of place. A magnificent altar of perfum-
ed cedar occupied one end of the council
chamber. The chairs and tables were of
oriental olive, fastened with golden nails
and vanished with mixture of gnm shell
lac and diamond dust. The throne of the
Grand IRquisitor was of Japanese wood
inla1d, trimmed with gold and deco
rated with precious stones. Velvet
tapestries covered the ruby colored pipe
stone floor and lion and tiger skins took
the place of rugs. The golden vessels had
been brought from an ancient temple of
the Old World, where the forefathers of
the tribe had used them in similar festi-
walls. Old and costly paintings adorned
the walls excepting occasional inches
that were occupied by handsome
pieces of statuary and the pas
sages were lined with Parian marble
trimmed with malachite and ONYX.
Treasures such as We would look for at
at the feet Of the original possessors of
Dakota, and who were more worthy of
beauty, spIendor and mgnifcence than
they, the noble red men.
The midnight banquet eGualled all that
might be expected at such a wonderful
place. In daintiest styles were served the
fish and game of the mountain and the
prairie. Brook trout and white fish,
young swans roasted with herbs,
canvas back ducklings and celery,
steaks of venison and bear-these were
portion of the viands set before the lads
and lassies of the Minnewankons. Choice
fruits and fine wines concluded the re-
past and the dance was resumed.
AS morning approached the torch lights
diminished and the golden blue rays of
the aurora lent their aid to the elfin scene.
The dancers danced on till day dawn
when they marched and countermarched to
the music of the organ and Tyre, paid
their respects before the
thrown of the grand inquisi-
tor and then tripped gaily
through the arched passage to the wig
vans of the nation to the hunting grounds
of the Minnewsukons.
GLOW, oh how" the reader wonders,
aCan reach this oavernf" Ask the Fargo
Argus, the Devils Lake Inter- Ocean, the
jamestown Alert, or the Bismarck Tribune.
Any of these far-famed opponents of intel
lect and veracity can inform thee, if they
would, where to find this Dakota wonder
of wonders-the enchanted cavern of Min
newaukon. VIM. B. JOLLY.
Receiver Discharged.
TOLEDO, Sept. 29.-Questions growing
out of the appointment of a receiver for