The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-09-06
INCENTIVE TO CLIMB.
Mysterious Oregon Heights Never
Scaled by White Men.
Exploring Party to Undertake the As
cent of Beacon Rock, One-Time
Watch Tower OF Indians
Of That Vicinity.


For untold centuries Beacon Rock,
or, as it is more familiarly called,
Castle Rock, situated about 80 miles
from Portland as the bird flies. has
reared aloft its rugged contour, defy
ing all but the bravest to scale it's
SCARED and precipitous sides. SO far
AS known no white man has ever sue
ceeded in reaching it's summit. and
probably a century has elapsed since
the last of the great Indian chief
tains was laid to rest on it's summit,
says the Portland Oregonian.
What will eventually prove to be
one of the most exciting and inter-
csting trips ever made in the Pacific
near future. At that time a party
now being organized for the purpose
will undertake the ascent. The party
will consist of limited number, and
win he accompanied by competent
Indian guide. and will he under the
leadership OF Frank j. Smith and
Walter r. Sewell. two old-time en-
pIoycs Of the Regulator line of this
city.
Beacon Rock, which is situated
about So miles from Portland by the
water route, is probably 1000 feet in
height. but as no measurement of
the height has ever been taken. it is
impossible to give an accurate figure.
It's base covers an extent of ground
nnurl - md fhn ton
il measures at least an acre in ex-
tent. From this it can readily be
seen that the sides are precipitous
and the pcrils accompanying the as
cent are great.
On account of the unwllingness Of
the Indians residing in the vicinity
to impart any information concern
ing the use OF the rock in past cen-
turtles MS burial ground. it has been
impossible to get definite information
concerning that rite, which is held
so sacred among the red men. Vague
rumor has it, however, that for ages
the summit of this almost inaccessi-
BILE rock was the last resting place
of all the great chieftans Of the
tribe of the Gonawanians.
From the base Of Beacon Rock to
the foot of the ruined abutment Of the
bridge Of the Gods the surrounding
country is strewn with Indian relics
and the bleaching bones of the abo-
rhymes. This whole country is rich
In romantic legend. and one can
scarcely set foot at any point here
abouts that has not been drenched
with the blood Of the early settler or
his savage foe. 1t is but "A few miles
from here in one direction to where
Gen. Grant spent the earlier days OF
his life, and in 1856 the very ground
was the scene Of terrible Indian mas.
sacre. At this time Col. Steptoe came
to the rescue with two companies from
The Dalles. and dashing Phil Sheridan
with one company from Vancouver
Sheridan Point, situated short dis
lance below the locks, is named fol-
him.
After the party has made the ascent
OF Beacon Rock il is proposed to ex
tend the trip to take in the ruins o
the Bridge OF The Gods. From the tot
of the ruined abutmcnt the view /!
magnificent. the Columbia being visi
bile for miles both east and west ant
the Willamette as far south as En-
gene. The party will be made up O
men interested in scientific research
and will be accompanied by photog
raphers. Communication with Port
land will he attempted by means o
the Photograph. and the party will b,
thoroughly equipped with all appli
ances both for safety and comfort
That trip Of such an unusual ma
tnre is to be undertaken, coupled will
the fact that Portland Hes almost il
Will lend an added interest to the out
ing. and when it is understood tina
the entire trip will not occupy NOR
than four days it is not to he won
dered at that many eager inquire,
are being made concerning It.
1t is Il peculiarly interesting fac
that few miles north of the abut
ments on the Washington side of tn,
Columbia Is a mountain known IS Sta
mountain. Near its summit are tn
remains Of three distinct lines OF forti
fcations. dating back to some prehi 5
toric age. and probably erected by
race we'll advanced in civiliza tior
Near the base Of Star mountain is
strongly defined trail worn in tn
rock. at some places to depth ~
from one to two feet. 1t shows IN
route followed in the early days by tn
Indians travelling from the plains O
eastern Oregon to the lower Columbi
and Willamette valleys.
Larceny by MIR. Scruggs
Mr.. scrnggs is n large gentlcma
possessing great dignity, partly ma
ural and partly gained through niue
experience as presiding officer /
countless financial and charitable OF
CARNATIONS.
One sweltering summer day. as h
dropped into his seat in the afternoo
train which was to carry him dow
to his country place, he noticed wit