The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1897-01-07
STRANGE STORY .
I THE HIDDEN TREASURES THAT
" ARE SAID TO EXIST IN
q PEASE PARK.
Tue WILD SEARCH GOES Oh.
IT HAS HARASSED MEMS VERY
SOULS FOR THREE YEARS
~ PAST.
MANY u AUSIIN y PRJMlNtNl MEN
=
HAVE BEEN MIXED UP IN THE
FUTILE SEARCH FOR HID
DEN WEALTH.
\ the TRUE ORIGIN OF THIS MYTHICAL TREASURE.
i A Spaniard Said to Have Told the Story.
Strange Things Attendant Upon
the Search-The Greek Bottom
Torn Topsy Turvey for
\ Three Miles or More
HAVE BEEN MIXED UP IN THE
FUTILE SEARCH FOR HID
~ DEN WEALTH.
the TRUE ORIGIN OF THIS MYTHICAL TREASURE

Extending over something like period
Of three years now Austin has been in
state of feverish fermentation. T. has
been that fever which burned inwarlly
and did not make its force fell violently
on the surface, and yet at intervals it
broke forth, and the result was that
the victim afflicted would either flee the
country or would seek oblivion in death.
In short Austin has been undergoing q
hidden treasure" fever that has broukbt
some of her most prominent citizens Into
prominence that they do not court 1lhC
fever has been on for some three yetlrs
ana during that time there have bIe1
nalt dozen victims of the fever vlhC
nave been compelled to flee the county,
During that time there have been 9th lr.
who have played their last card and bs
and sought relief in death.
The situation is one that is not o MI,
peculiarly dramatic and touching, bul Iii
almost beggars understanding or ext In
nation. 1t is Il story that rivals all Ec
uon, yet 1t is so true that it is paint hl
1t shows the desire of people to (e
money. In this instance, as in ma H,
others, they have been hunting the h,
of the rainbow, however. They hi Iv
gone forth like Monte Cristo, but t! 10
have returned empty handed. In
meantime the arch tiend that has
them ON takes the place of the cou
and says: "One," "Two," "Thre
with painful regularity as the victims
the dread fever either seek their o
life or flee the sight and sound of
friends and old surroundings. Ve1
Austin seems under a spell, and yet
is there that can locate the hoodoo? III
he must be located all will agree. /
ring the past two or three years he
worked to such excellent advantages,
this city, men who were once in promin-
ence, are now bowed down in shame,
and some who were here a year ago are
now in South America. And what has
caused all this? 1t is easily explained.
Some three years ago the first rumors
Of the present rupture was raised. The,
story of hidden treasures in and near
Austin has been told for time im,I
memorial. 1t was some three years ago,
however, that the present crisis, or rath-
or the opening of it, was precipitated.
A Mexican living on place near Pease
park awoke one night to hear the peck,
!, peck Of pick in the ground, and every
AsNnce in a while he would hear low
lurmurs. He arose quietly from his bed,
Nud dressing, went out to investigate,
lie heard the sound of the digging which
ms removed from him some distance.
but still distinctly in the quiet night air[
He also saw light He advanced
cautiously nearer and nearer. Finally he
was where he could see within thu
radius of the light. Then it was Ailk
he saw three negro men digging
in the ground by the feeble rays of
little lantern. He waited and waite lral
After digging a long time, they ce, ny