The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-12-25
FORBIDDEN CITY OF OLD MEXICO
Never Entered by White Man and in
Existence Before the Conquest.

NGV0r 6nLSr6Q DY WniSS MbD ana IN
Existence Before the Conquest.
From the Chicago Tribune
CITY OF MEXICO, Dec. 13.-Juan AL
varez who has just returned from an ex-
ploring expedition In the southwestern part
Of the republic, reports that he has found q
city which has never been entered by white
men, and which has evidently been in ex-
istence before the time of the conquest of
the country by the Spaniards. 1t is ON old
Aztec city, and the approaches 60 IL are SO
guarded by nature that it Is al impossibility
to reach il II the inhabitants do not want a
traveller 10 get in.
The city lies in the almost inaccessible
mountains In the region lying in the ex-
treme southwestern part OF the country,
and Is 30 far away from civilization that
few white men have ever been In the neigh
borhood. II was by the purest accident that
Alvarez became aware that city was any
where in the vicinity. and after he found 1t
all of his endeavors 70 reaeh IL were una
vailing on account of the persistent opposi-
ton OF the natives.
He had been travelling over the mountains
10 search Of an outlet 20 the Pacific ocean
when he came to the top OF an elevated
plateau and crossed TO the further edge.
He had q magnificent view, and, while
looking over che country, saw what he
took 90 be houses In far distant valley. A
close Inspection with glass soon convinced
him that what he saw was really a collec-
tion of houses and he at once set about
reaching the place to see who lived in that
part of the country.
After days of hard work climbing over
cliffs and mountains he reached a place
from which he obtained good view OF the
city, and saw that it was regularly laid out
in streets and was peopled with q race who
knew something about civilization. The
houses were of stone and were surrounded
by yards In which were growing flowers
and shrubs. On all sides were evidences of
taste shown by the inhabitants, and it was
| evident that he had found a city which
| was not known to the outside world.
A careful examination OF the country
| showed him that the city was within a
natural amphitheater and was accessible
| from one side only. He saw that the only
means of access was through long and
| narrow defile which led into the mountains
from the Pacific coast side, and he started
| to reach the place where he could find this
| entrance. He made an outline drawing of
| the city as it appeared to him from the dis
| tant mountain top, and this Is all no hos to
show that there is city within the heart
| of the mountains, for ne was never allowed
| to reach the spot.
From this drawing it Ia plain that the city
has not less than 1000 inhabitants The
houses are all of stone aud are supplied
| with doors and windows. In thu center was
a large building, which was undoubtedly
the temple OF worship, for on its walls could
be seen sculptured designs representing the
! deity. 1t was in the shape of the ancient
teocalli, which are to be found In many
parts of this country, and the people could
be seen passing IN aud out Of it during all
hours OF the day.
After ten days arduous work Alvarez
found himself at the foot of the mountains
on the western slope, and set about search
ing for the canyon leading to the city. He
had go well marked the lay Of the land that
he had no difficulty in finding the entrance
but he was met by band Of Indians who
refused to let him proceed. They offered
him no violence, but insisted that he should
| return. he told them that he had come
| over the mountains and that he did moi
know how TO get back.
After a consultation he was told that he
would have to remain awhile as q prisoner
and two runners were sent into the mount
aims, who returned In day with orders
from some one in authority, and Alvarez
was blindfolded and placed on the back of a
mule. He Travelled in this condition for
three days, only having the bandage re-
moved from his eyes at night.
On the fourth day ne was told toremove
the bandage, and when he did so be found
himself Ola the borders of the Pacific ocean
The Indians had gone, leaving him witt
nothing to guide him back to the place
where he bad seen the city.