The herald., 1897-03-14

ogist of the Ohio State University, and
a man famous for being versed in Aztec
lore and knowledge, makes in this ar
ticle the first accurate statement and
the only one regarding the manuscript,
which was discovered by a workman at
Fairfield, Ia.
Despite his learning regarding the
hieroglyphics in which the AZtecs trans
mitted their history from generation to
generation, Professor Moorehead has
been unable to satisfactorily decipher
the Inscription upon the birch bark. For
this reason, he forwarded the manu-
script to the Smithsonian Institution.
The results OF the examination by tho
experts there will be far more important
than might be thought at first consid-
GRAFTON. Unquestionably 1t is the first
genuine Aztec manuscript ever un-
earthed within the borders of the Unit
ed States.
Professor Moorehead says, over his own
signature, that there is small doubt of
its genuineness. 1t has long been held
that the Aztecs inhabitated certain por-
tions of this country as Early, If not be-
fore, their advent to Mexico. This find
and the ancient appearance of the hier-
oglyphics as compared with those even
many centuries old, seems to give strong
color to the belief regarding the Unit
ed States Professor Moorehead states
SuCCluCtly III tnc lOllON ll4CH IL II Olll
his own pen, the status of the find from
an archaeological standpoint. This is
what he says:
ITO the Editor of the Los Angeles Her
aid: The Ohio State Archaeological and
Historical society of Columbus received
early in February a most remarkable
relic. On September 2, 1896, a laboring
man of Fairfield, Ia, while excavating =
for the waterworks, brought to light
what was apparently a chunk of wood
except that its surface was encased With
a coating of pitch. The object was found
about three feet below the surface. Its
dimensions are something over a foot
in length by eight inches and five or sir,
inches thick
"Out of curiosity the workman struck
it blow with pick, causing it to split
open, revealing space in the center in
which lay roll of birch bark covered
on one side with strange hieroglyphics.
The workman was intelligent enough to
know that the find was of some value
and, taking ii to his home, carefully
spread out the manuscript and encased
it between glass, in frame. The mat
ter was brought to the attention OF
heard of the museum at Columbus, and
she wrote there, describing the find in
all its details. | concluded that the fine
was certainly worth examining and per-
suaded Miss Clark to send the wooden
receptacle and manuscript for my in
spection.
1.-THE bark is extremely thin and its
natural color is well preserved. This is
due to the fact that 1t was sealed almost
alright. The edges are torn and broken
and there is every evidence that a part
of it is missing. l had further exca-
vations made, but there were no more
fragments or relics of any description,
and the workmen positively asserted
that the manuscript was found in the
box in fragmentary condition and that
he had sealed between glass all that he
had found of it.
1.-THE wood is of oak and shows marks
On the end OF having been rudely hewn
with stone axes. With the uscript
were received letters from prominent
citizens, certifying as to the character
OF the workman. A letter from the edi-
tor of the Ledger. the county paper pub
fished at Fairfield. states Griffith is
. laboring man of about average intelli-
gence and information and would have
neither the ability nor the knowledge
to mislead anybody as to the circum-
stances. Nor is there any practical
Joker in this vicinity who would have
the knowledge to execute a plan like
this and keep quiet about it. Nor has
there been interest sufficient in matters
Of this kind in the community to fur
nish such people basis for work
"A tree some fifty or sixty years old
grew directly over the spot, the hollow
log or wood being found under its roots.
The gum or wax which not only fas-
tened the pieces together but made the
receptacle practically water and air
tight. had been evenly distributed by
turning the block over fire. This was
plain, because the block was not only
covered with SCOT, but was also slightly
charred. The characters are written
in red, evidently the Juice Of some plant.
The work is neat.
AFTER careful examina tion decid-
cd that l could not read the characters
and, Furthermore, that no one could
read them. that a great deal had been
published on Aztec and Maya manu-
scripts. but that no one could translate
them, ana that one-haf the archaeolog-
lists who claimed to read them gave
different translations of the same manu-
script. The characters are manifestly
Aztec or Maya and were made. think,