Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 August 1880 — Tradition of the Puebloes. [ARTICLE]

Tradition of the Puebloes.

The Pueblo Indians, who largely people New Mexico, and who by many are regarded as a remnant of the Aztec race, possess numerous traditions which they nave handed down through the succession of many generations, and which they to-day believe as firmly as did their ancestors of the far-off past Whether the Montezuma whom they adore, anxiously look for and worship, is the same as the one who appears in the history of Old Mexico is strongly doubted by wellread Americans, who have given much attention to the subject The Puebloes claim that their Montezuma was born through the immaculate conception of an Indian maiden of their own tribe in the village of -Pecos, about thirty-five miles distant from Santa Fe. While a youth he did not exhibit any extraordinary qualities, but upon reaching manhood’s estate, showed himself to be a great hunter and possessed of supernatural powers. After dwelling with the tribe for a long period, and performing many miraculous deeds, he departed, going southward. On the eve of his journey he is reported to have lighted a sacred fire which be told his people to keep burning until his return. Although this was long centuries ago, It is said that the Indians have scrupulously obeyed the injunction, and have never allowed the fire to die out They have continuously through successive generations kept the slumbering embers aglow. At least this is their story, and it is largely believed, especially by those who have seen the fire glimmering in their old adobe temple. In 1837 the Pueblo, or town of Pecos, was sold. It was on a Spanish grant, and at that period the Indiana removed the sacred fire with great care to Taos, where it is still burning and viewed with reverential awe. Some of the Indians of the present day have so much confidence in the return of Montezuma that they get out on their house-tops every morning with the rise of the sun and look anxiously into the far distance for his coming. Eventbough many of the Pueblo Indians have outwardly embraced the Christian religion, yet they retain their faith in Montezuma, whom they regard as their saviour or sovereign. They are a docile and industrious people, who live a pastoral life. As communities, they are far more prosperous and live far better than the majority of natives. Their puebloee, or villages, are distributed at different points through the territory, and some of their number may, almost daily, be seen in the towns bartering farm products to store-keepers for various articles kept on sale. The more we do, the more wo can do: the busier we are, the more leisure we have.