New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-28
PREHISTORIC IDOLS.
Found By an american Missionary
IN Guatemala.

A submerged city of prehistoric idOlaters, the
outlines of which may be seen through the
waters of Lake Amatitlan on clear days. Is
described by Mrs. W. Francis Gates a returned
missionary from Guatemala She also brings
some Of the idols recovered from the depths Of
the lake and others which she has dug up in
the neighborhood Mrs. Gates has spent ten
years in that country on missionary service,
and has now come home on furlough, but ex-
poets to return to Guatemala in a short time.
Ten years ago. said Mrs. Gates Il went
down to Guatemala, in Central America, as
missionary. Near Guatemala City. where
was stationed, is a prehistoric mound city of
idol worshippers traditions Of which have been
preserved through many generations, though
Nobody knew its name or the real character Of
Is religion. Educated Guatemalans believe it
70 be thousands of years old. 1t is supposed
70 be one of the cities Of the Mayas, who pre-
reded the Aztecs in America.
This mound city is laid out in geometrical
figures, some Of the mounds being sixty feet
high some rectangular and others of beehive
shape Now, it happened that President
of Guatemala who was romantic character
had a love to whom he was greatly devoted
She a brilliant operate singer, a woman
of refinement and culture, and artistic in her
tastes. Their afternoons were often spent to-
gether driving through the country round about
Guatemala City. favorite drive of hers was
through this region, known the Mound City.
In the of time another woman, also
beautiful and accomplished came to Guatemala
and captivated the President, who transferred
his affections to her. Put, still having a inger-
ing love for his former flame he presented the
latter with a beautiful plantation which in
cluded the Mound City. Being fond of outdoor
life, she set to work identifying the grounds by
cutting lawns and drives through the mounds
and adjoining the grounds with Italian statuary.
4 soon became acquainted with the opera
singer, and at her invitation frequently visited
her. These visits were usually devoted to music
ind often ended in drive through the Mound
City
"One afternoon, as we were passing through
one Of the cuts I noticed an odd looking stone
projecting from one of the mounds, and got out
of the carriage to investigate. The stone proved
TO be a ouriousIy carved little image With the
permission of my hostess I visited the place
many times, and with the aid Of a small army
trenching tool dug into the banks. where I found
many other specimens. The little god who
stuck his head out of the bank was my first
find, and even though he is one of the ugliest
In my collection, 1 prize him highly, for he
started me in my antiquarian search.
"Afterward my husband and I met with a
scientist who was collecting for a European
museum. After the heavy rains the three Of
US would often start out with picks and shovels
to dig in the beds of the mountain torrents
which had been washed bare that we often
found specimens near the surface We have
spent days at a time digging on the mountain
sides
"Some Of the images In my collection came
from the bottom of Lake Amatitlan. Concern
Ing this lake there is strange tradition current