The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-10-10

/ PRINT 10 attack US, as for example: In
The early summer it was stated that two
years ago he mad tried to make the a.
cent, but was unsuccessful because OF
the precipitouS character Of the rocks.
"hicn seems quite reasonable. in view
or even his experience this summer But
1t Is now stated that he refrained from
going 10 the top a that time out Of re-
gard for the superstitions Of the Acomas.
II appears, however, according to one
friend, that after my atrocious attack up-
on their myth the Acomas were only TOO
glad to have him go TO the top. because
ne could give an authoritative opinion up
on the subject. According to another
friend some of these same Acomas ap-
peared upon the top Of the rock while
he was there by using his ladders, and
were quite inimical at first, but were
soothed by coffee and other agencies.
Strangely enough. most of the things
were found after these men had been al
lowed TO wander about upon the top Of
the rock. l sincerely hope that some
safeguard was taken 10 prevent their
throwing suspicion upon the various
finds; but from the reports It seems such
was not the case, since they were al
l0wed TO find things up there When away
from white men. I cannot believe that
an acute archaeologist like Mr.. Hodge
would tolerate such a procedure. II I.
also noteworthy taart Mr.. Hodges friends
DO not mention the finding OF a single
relic by himself
Mr.. Hodge does not appear TO have
convinced several OF the white citizens
OF the region, who have held and now
hold positions of honor and trust in
these puebles, that the mesa was ever
inhabited. Their opinions are certainly
worthy Of some weight as evidence, and
when they describe the myth as a pure
dream. after residence of many years
in tine country. I am inclined from the
facts which / was able 70 observe upon
the top Of the mesa still 10 believe tina:
while the top may have been visited no
evidence exists at present Of lis ever
having been permanently inhabited.
The existence of that rat upon the
top Of the rock seems 10 have troubled
s1me people; 70 me 1t is easily explain
ed by the existence of birds nests and
eggs in abundance upon the rocks.
Ny investigation has been criticised
a being too cursory to admit OF its be-
ing thorough, and that 1 was driven off
BY j thunderstorm: aut my critics seem
n forget that my apparatus was still in
pace and in good order the next day,
and no -hrg would have been easier than
10 have gone up there again, II it wee
though. either necessary or profitable.
In view Of the main problem involved
i. e.. had K been inhahited-I did no:
think Il necessary to go back again, as
the surface of the rock convinced me-
OH ;his poln,.
II picked up some fragments which re-
ssmhled ancient pottery, hu; could not
persuade myself that they We're. / took
them - Mr.. Pearce. and he agreed win
me that ;ney were no, pottery.
The shell bracelet might slso be taken
as a proof OF comparatively recent
vis.;. for il certainly could not have
wi;as.ocd he attacks az the climate for
any very long period Of time.
II also found several pieces ~ pottery
at the base Of the mesa. no; only near
the a-,ohi-aeatre where Mr.. Hodge evil
IDENTITY made MS Climb. bu: also A other
poin-s around he base: but these only
indicated the possible visit either % the
~op ~ re base OF some Of he natives.
A. -;,ch re,ics have oe5n repeatedly
f7u~.i in :his position before I did not
think Il important enough - mention.
L; : hardly necessary. l mink. -
sta:a that personal abuse does not eTi-
force IN argument, but rather tends %
weaken the position q tae man who
makes us- Z r. I am SIS anxious as
any one &c arrive a. serious and right
minded eo'u.ian q such problems; 5u; |
am Wholly unprepared 20 descend .
ON 5ole over doubtful items. ! an pre-
pared az any time - admit tia; / vas
wrong IN my Interpretation o ne tsc;s
saw. II sufficient and proper arguments
az produced. and I do not think ), :
asking too much % those who oppose my
opinions . meet in ne same fair spirit
"As ing as tie main question : KEEP;
in view 9. vas the mesa ever inhsb-
i:eic-I tlink an warranted n ans
wer!ng i in he negative. tor have not
We; seen any proof wh.ch NOuld estab-
Isl anything more than The evidence ~
a temporary visi:-
WILLIAM LIBBEY."
Ysle's Foo' b all Schedule.