Arizona republican., 1901-05-15
GROUND IS BROKEN
Exploration Work Begun by the Anti.
 quarian Society.

nlX mas been Drle1ly chlleu 10 the prO- posed work of "The Arizona Antiquar! ian Association" on the prehistoric ruin four miles east of town, at the in- tersection of the Tempe wagon road and the crosscut canal.
 The association has solicited funds enough to warrant them in beginning the work of exploration. Only a few of the citizens have been called upon for contributions, but in almost every instance the solicitor has met with cordial reception and a cheerful dona- ton.
 Notwithstanding the frequent brief notices of the proposition of the pro- moter:. of the enterprise there are still good many who do not understand the objects or the benefits that Phoenix will derive from It. To again briefly state the matter may not be out of place:
 Through the courtesy and by the generosity of the Arizona Water com pany, The Arizona Antiquarian assoc- ation became the owners of the ruin above mentioned. This ruin Is one of the largest, and from an archaeological standpoint one of the most valuable, of the many prehistoric ruins in the Salt River valley. Now, the association pro- poses to make it one of the most valu- able from financial point of view of any In the Salt River valley
 The proposition is this: The asso- citation will direct the excavation, re- produce the building as far as possible and protect 1t, leaving everything found in the rooms where found, and thus make 1t place of attraction for vis- itors from the effete east as well as an educational and pleasure resort for our own people, if Phoenix will furnish the necessary fund for the expense. It Is not proposed to make this expense bur densome or that any one will be dis tressed in any way. Some work can be done each year until completed.
 Any one can see at a glance the inn mehse financial advantage such re- sort situated four miles from town will be to Phoenix.
 Let one calculate the amount of money that is spent by people, not living here, in visiting the Indian school, No livery man will let a team out for lesa than two dollars. Then es- innate that there are ten teams going out to the Indian school each day. Then caculate the receipts of the hotels. which will more than double the re- reipts of the liveryman, and one can form some idea of the financial worth of such an institution to Phoenix. It would seem the wise business man would work and contribute money for every, attraction that brings money in- to the community, and in this case the investement is a .1fe one and costs but little
 The association's interest in the ex ploration of this ruin Is purely scien- tihc, but as the matter presents two points of view We as citizens cannot help but feel a deep interest in both. Ground has been broken and the work will continue as long as the money holds out meantime the solicitation of funds will continue. Any one desiring to help the good work along by contr button can leave or send their contri- button to c. s. Scott at The Republican office. He is the secretaryof the asso- citation. Or with Dr. J. Miller. the pres ident; or with Mir. Chapman at the Hctel Adams. MT. Thoo. Armstrong, Jr.. or MT. Chalmers in the Fleming block. Any of these gentlemen will receipt for the money and turn it over to the treasurer.
 There is another enterprise In con nection with this work that suggests itself as having merit worthy of con- sideration. Those who are familiar with this locality will remember that there Is a triangular piece of land lying west of the crCsscut canal north of the Tempe wagon road and south of the continuation of the Tempe road after 1t crosses the Grand canal This piece of land contains about forty acres and on the southeast corner i9 situated the ruin under consideration. The sug- gestion is that the city Of Phoenix or somebody else buy this tract of land and convert it into public park. Phoenix has but few parks and none so large az this would be and none so favorably or economically situated There Is always water in the crosscut canal and high enough above this land so that it could be utilized for foun- tains if 90 desired without a pumping plant. There ara many little falls on this canal, any one of which could be utilized in furnishing electricity for l llRnllnS, TOT 1dnS Df any other purpose for which electricity might be needed about the park
 The eastern part of this tract is cov- cred with numerous low tumuli of pre- historic origin. These tumuli detract from the value of tho land for agricul- tural purposes, but add to it if used for a public park. On account of these tumuli l have no doubt t:e land could be bought for much less than other land not so encumbered. Besides the Ari- zona Water company, to whom it be- longs, has always been so generous in aiding any enterprise tending to i'm prove the valley that I have no doubt they will maintain their usual generos- ity should the city along with the Ari- zona Antiquarian association decide to make this apot an attractive education al institution.
 If the views contained in this meet with favor among those interested in this sort of enterprise and advancement of our city and it's future prosperity, and they will say go, I have no doubt but 1t can be accomplished.
 I. MILLER.
 Phoenix, May IA.