The Wichita daily eagle., 1904-05-29

The researches of the Brandelier expedi-
ton sent out to the ancient burial places
of the Inca empire in Perua and BoHVia'
by the American Mu-
scum of Natural GOVERNMENT
tory are described in
the Scientific Ameri- ON THE INCAS.
can In speaking of
Lake Titicaca, ine writer says: "On the
islands of this lake is located the ira
ditionaI birthplace of the Inca tribe, and
here were built several large and lmpos-
ing structures. the ruins of which still
exist Not far distant was located Cuz-
co. the chief settlement. The popula-
ton of Cuzco and the valley in which 1t
is situated according to Mr.. Brandelier,
is said to have numbered between 6O,-
600 and 10000. The language spoken was,
and is now, Quieha- The whole place was
built around courtyards or squares, ana
contained spacious buildings, construct
ed partly of huge, well-cut stones. The
roofs, however. were Of thatch. Some
of the stones were of such stupendouS
size and dimensions as would test the
best skill of the modern contractor TO
transport and put in place. This was
accomplished by means of wooden rollers,
ropes and crowbars. In most cases no
mortar was used, the stability of the
building depending on the Skin in the
close joining of the stone blocks.
THE government of the Incas is said to
nave been the most enlightened despot-
ism that ever existed, and about the
nearest approach TO Utopia which has
yet been reached by any people. There
aIIotta3 m man free of charge.
q dwelling site and extended area of land
for him to till and cultivate for the main
tenance OF his family. The surplus of
products from this tract, left over from
the immediate needs of the owner. was
given as tribute to the Inca government.
and used for religious, charitable, and
other purposes at their sovereign city
of Cuzco. Under their wise and just
civic demonstration, crime and public cor
ruption and theft We're not known. In
Cuzco it is stated that a resident with
100 bars of silver and gold piled up in his
house, left it wide open, only placing a
small stick across the door as sign
that the master was out-and nobody
went in. Agriculture was the chief pur
suit followed. Cotton, beans, maize. and
coca were raised by the coast people.
On the plateau the domestication of the
Hama and alpaca was the favorite oc-
cupation
''The whole tribe was divided into num-
erous clans. The powers of administra-
ton were centered in the elective dig
nitaries, a military leader, and the head
of the religious system. There was also
council of chiefs. None of these offices
were hereditary, and could not be occu-
nied by sons unless they were specially
chosen for the position. The succession
of the chief Inca did not fall upon the
shoulders of his child. This was due TO
the clan organization which governed the
affairs of state. Inheritance was by moth !
er-right. A man could not marry a wom-
an of his own clan, but has to select one |
from another. This was the main unit for |
holding the tribe together. Woman had |
no voice in public affairs, but ruled su-
preme in the home. She was admitted to |
esoteric societies, of which there were |
many They also practiced healing and |
became prieStesses. Many complicate |
and elaborate ceremonial and religious /
rites We're observed, and frequent sacri- !
fees offered up to the deities. The In |
cas-, under their enlightened system of |
government, had, however. incorporated |
in their religious worship some uncanny
customs. Human sacrifice was practiced |
and on certain occasions a number of |
young maidens captured from other tribes |
were offered up to some of their prin-
cipal deities. These young women were |
for n long time kept prisoners, and dur |
ing the interval Were employed at MAX
Ing pottery and weaving gorgeous fabrics
out of the silk-like threads of vicuna wool |
Cor the sacrifcial celebration"