The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-05-13
The Raven Of
Washington

Where the graceful spires of an impos
ing church edifice point heavenward on on,
of the fashionable bouevards OF the Ma
tional Capital, there fiourished centurie:
ago, a dense forest, thickly grown witt
underbrush, ard opening here and there
| into glades of weeds and tall grass. Here
| were the hunting grounds of the Nacos-
| tines, tribe of the mighty and war-like
! Algonquins. The forest was also the ref
,, uge of many kinds OF small game which
abounded in this latitude.
Wild flowers in their primitive beauty
diffused delightful fragrance. and invig-
Grating breezes waited from shady wood
lands the pungent odor OF the pine; birds
of multi-colored plumage, from their high
perches upon the gnarled branches OF the
forest giants, Joined their wild trills of ex-
ultation in their native freedom. Virgin
nature was adorned in her garment OF i'm
maculate beauty and primeval perfection;
everything being as God had created it,
from man to the tiniest insect, from the
misty purple mountains to the verdant
fragrant valleys; the very atmosphere
seemed charged with nectar and ambrosia,
of rare old wine. Earth's hidden treasures
had not yet been brought to light, her
sanctuaries had not yet been desecrated,
the channels of light had not yet forced
their Judgment into her sacred bosom. nor
did wires OF life yet pulsate through the
air. The eagle scared majestically into
the deep azure OF the skies, unconscious
yet, that in later years he would be idoiiz-
ed as the emblem of liberty. The wild
rose bloomed a healthier pink. exhaled a
purer fragrance, and bore 4 richer foliage.
Birds sang with easier grace and sweeter
tone; even the cav cav Of the raven
seemed rich and mellow, less doleful and
less harsh. The white mans existence was
as yet unknown to the primitive inhabi
tarts Of the New World: he had not yet
impressed the indelible stamp Of his cul-
ture and civilization upon the face OF pris-
tine nature and the chants and prayers OF
his creeds had not yet awakened the 81
lent echoes of her sylvan reservations.
Yet. the time came, when he adapted for
his use and advantage this handiwor'1 of
God. when he spanned the rivers. plowcd
and tore open the virgin soil, robbed her
of her wealth. revered birds of prey,
brought his artificial rites and forms and
his intricate laws and their cunning con-
structions with him. and annihilated, or
drove away. the first owners from their
inheritance.
Upon the advent of the pale face with
his mysteries and peculiarities. the birds
of the air and the animals of the forest
migrated toward the setting sun, to seek
new homes, where they against might
dwell undisturbed amidst their own. Flow
ers grew less bright of color and their
perfume was not SO sweet. they dropped
their pale foliage. and pining away. with
cred and died. While the red brave with
battle and spear fiercely and righteously
defended the legacy OF his ancestors
against the fre-spitting weapons of the
cruel white usurpers he was powerless to
resist or stay the relentless advance OF
the white invaders or save from their
rapacious grasp his forests with their
game, and bis rivers with their fish.
AS the sun was rising upon the eastern
horizon, bathing earth in flood of golden
light. venerable old man slowly and Ia
boriously proceeded on his way through
the tangled underground across the hills.
He appeared exhausted, and. ever and anon
hating, leaned upon tall wooden staff, !
and finally seated himself in the shade OF
an old tree. He had kind and noble face, |
which, however bore signs of sadness and |
patriarchal white beard COW |
cred his breast, and snowy locks encir- |
cled the crown of his bare head. He was |
attired in long, loose brown garment,
confined about his body by heavy cord.
to the end of which hung appended cru
cifix, and his bare feet were protected by
sandals.
The watchful sentinels Of the Nacostines. |
on beholding this strange apparitien, were
struck with superstitious fear, and made (
haste to report their astonishing discovery
10 their old chief. who at once sent out his /
feetest runners to call his braves in coun-
ELL Before the great light of day had
reached the zenith, the Nacostines were
assembled at the seat Of their council fiie,
and discussed in the greatest agitation.
he sudden and mysterious arrival In their
midst Of living being with white face,
white beard, white hair, and body covered
With unwonted apparel. After mature de-
Iteration. the chief called to his side a
young brave and babe him bring the
stranger before the nations sage assem-
bly,. Three warriors in full array OF bat
lie were commanded to act as his escort.
while TO the young messenger he entrusted
plumage- adorned calumet, with twig of
,rcen from a nearby needle-tree. as an Of
ering of peaceful and friendly intentions
oward the white man.
The medicine man of the tribe began
owly chanting a weird and monotonous in
l
= grizz!ed old warrior. who had laid him.
elf down upon a couch of dressed hides,
lad become weak and exhausted from the
Xertions he had made in order to reach
lis chiefs wigwam. He, Notwithstanding,
rev worse, and it appeared as if his spir-
{ were preparing to leave its cell OF
red clay, and flee to the happy
uniting grounds. The tribesmen solemn
y assembled around him, and bespoke in
utdued tones and serious manner, the
disposition OF his squaws, wigwam, and
;eapons OF war.
At this moment, however. the chiefs
rusted messenger approached with the old
;hite stranger. the three warriors bring
ng up the rear. On beholdipg the old
rave stretched out on his back. the young
,arrior at once saw he was ill., knowing
hat the sick and weak only turn
heir faces toward the moon when repos-
lg. or in sleep. His fathers squaw had
Did him many times that brave man,
hen he is resting, has his back turned to
arth. and watches the eagle in his flight,
is spirit is preparing to follow the eagle.
he white stranger or old missionary no
cling the life of a human being in danger
ushed from between his guards. hastily
dvanced toward the couch Of the dying
ian. and dexterously drew from the folds
MS Wlue ClOdh IL pUidl |
rown liquid, a portion of which he forced
etween the tightly drawn lips OF the pros
ate red man. In a short time, the In
Ian slowly opened his eyes looked about
a dazed manner. sat up, and apparently
salized that something extraordinary
Iust have occurred. behoding the wall
lg medicine man. and his tribes people.
no, with couutenances distorted by fear
nd terror. gazed upon the strange white
AN, who had recalled the departing spirit
one of their own. he old chief stood