The record-union., 1891-08-06
SNAKE DANCE,
Arizona Indians Celebrating an An
Client Custom.

Arizona Indians Celebrating an An.
Client Custom.
WINsLow (Ariz.), Aug. 5.-The MOUND
Indians snake dance began to-day. L
will continue sixteen days, winding ur
on August 2lst, with a grand snake
dance, which only occurs once every two
years. 1t IS said that this is the only
known tribe that INDUCES in that. Steps
are being taken to discontinue it. and
this may be the last snake dance ever
witnessed anywhere. Chief Capella o.
the snake order to-day went into the
eStuta, or underground lodge, to prepare
medicines for the ceremonies for the
| tehua tikidra or snake dance.
Three hundred of 2,5CO Mokias be.
long TO the snake order, similar to the
leading orders among the whites. The
snake degree includes warriors, hunters
and dancers. The antelope degree is
composed of horse guards and singing
men.
To-day all who are to take part in the
coming ceremonies went into the estufas
Those consecrated remained, not being
allowed to speak to any but membe
until the dance on the Dist.
The eighth day the members begin to
capture, baptize and name each reptile to
sleep with when in the estufas
AT o'clock on the evening of the six
teenth day. or August 2lst, all except
members climb on houses. The ante
lope degree members appear gaudily
decorated with music and singing. Then
the snake men join. At given signal
snake men, numbering fifty to 100, each
get the most vicious of several reptiles i'm
their mouths. The dance then takes
place on the grounds, and the men secure
fresh snakes. About 400 snakes are ex-
pected to be used. After the dance the
snakes are piled at the foot of holy
rock, baptized, carried to the valley and
liberated. Rattlers, garter, spotted, bull.
and others are used.
1t is reported that Major Donaldson OF
GalIuo, who took the Government Indian
census, says this is the last snake dance
the Government will permit. He takes a
Photographic outfit to the dance. It is
also reported that the Government will
send corps of photographers.
Fruit Shipments.
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 5.--The green
fruit shipments from California this sea-
son will be much heavier than last. Up
to July 31st 1,156 carloads had been
moved eastward over the lines of the
Southern Pacific, against 775 for the same
period the previous year.
tbALDoiSUhSf, aug. O.-1ne nrSC car
load of fruit shipped direct to the East
from this city, was shipped to-day. The
car contained fourteen tons of mixed
fruits, and was consigned by Long 81 Co.
refrigerator car was used. The fact
that shipments can now be made direct
to the Eastern markets will, it is thought
by fruit-growers, add great impetus to
that industry.
Wealthy Woman Suicides.
Los ANGELES, Aug. 5.-The body of
Mrs. Mary Martin, wealthy widow re-
siding alone on ranch at Eagle Rock,
near this city, was found at the bottom of
well eighty feet deep on her place. She
left letter indicating that it was case of
suicide. A barn was burned on her place
a short time ago, and there was some
talk about incendiarism. 1t is believed
that this talk came to Mrs. Martins ears,
which led her to take her life. In a letter
she says there is money in the bank to
pay the insurance she received.
Life Insurance Case Decided.