The times., 1899-08-20

principal men together and sent q COM
mission to Acoma asking the loan OF the
picture of st. Joseph. in order that he
might restore prosperity and bring bless
ings to the afflicted town.
1t was most unusual and momentous
occasion and required many long and SOL
emn councils before a decision could be
reached. The Lagunas enlisted the CO.
operation of their priest. who had a con-
sultation with the missionary at Aeona
They appealed 10 Father Mariana de Jesus
Lopez, the superior of the Franeiscans.
who ordered a season of prayer and PEN
ance in both villages, at the close cf which
the eaciques were to draw lots for the
saint, believing that God would direct the
result.
The lot decided in favor of Acona. and
the Laguna Indians were so indignant that
they determined TO take the saint by force.
and while the people OF Acoma were ceIe-
brating their victory in the estufa, or pa
gan temple, in which the Shamans perform
their rites. band OF Laguna warriors
broke into the chapel and stole the pic
ture. When the theft was discovered the
eacique of Acoma declared war against tina
Lagunas and there would have been a Bit
ter and bloody conflict but for the inter-
vention of Father Mariana, who persuaded
the Acomas to be generous and let the La
gunas have the benefit of the influence %
provided they would agree to surrender, il
at the end OF that time. His advice pre-
vailed and the Lagunas made many prom
ises, which they were never willing 10
fulfill. There was a change in their con-
dition Immediately after and they pros
pered Immensely. which. of course was
attributed to the presence Of the precious
picture, and they feared that if 1t were re-
turned 10 Acoma their luck would change
So time passed, and. Notwithstanding the
admOnitions of Father Mariana and the
priest at Laguna, the Indians refused IN
part with the picture, which was protected
by guard day and night for more than
half a century.
Finally, at the suggestion of some in
genious pale face, probably Yankee law
yer, the people of Aeoma appealed 10 ths
courts and fled DILL for a mandamus
compelling the pueblo of Laglna to return
the saint to its lawful owners and pendips
final decision they asked that receiver
or custodian be appointed to take charge
of him.
There were few newspapers in those
days. and very little information of cur
rent interest was published. so that ws
have to depend upon tradition Tor the his
tory of the case. All we knew is shat
II was hotly contested and thai the law
yers fees made both the pueSIos pgor
Judge Kirby Benedict, sitting as chancel-
Tor. decided in favor of the original own
ers. and ordered that the LagJnas sur
render the precious painting 10 the eacique
of Acoma.
When the decision became known ths
latter appointed a delegation 20 brig ne
saint home. and while they were on their
journey half way to Laguna they found The
saint resting against a MESQUITE free
They considered this miracle. and The
simple people still believe that when 81.
Joseph heard of the decision q the court
ne was IN such hurry tc get back TO hIs
home in Aeoma that ne started out BY him,
self. This extraordinary picture st.il hangs
over the altar of the little chapel az
Acoma, and the faith IN its virtues has
never failed.-Chieago Record.