Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1905 — THE COMPASS. [ARTICLE]

THE COMPASS.

The Belief Wan Once Held That It Discloaed Men’s Thoughts. A belief that the mariner's compass disclosed men’s thoughts was entertained by a number of ancient Mexican companions and allies of Hernando Cortes. His habit of consulting his compass and chart in his advance through the country and the ease and assurance with which he reached whatever town or village he determined to make for tended to confirm this idea. In the estimation of the Mexicans the compass was a universal oracle.' Accordingly in one of the conspiracies which were set on foot against Cortes by the Aztecs a number of the natives, most likely Innocent of what was in contemplation, were earnest in entreating Cortes to have recourse to his infallible guide, the compass, that he might ascertain for their mutual satisfaction that they at least were faithful. Cortes himself records the singular idea held of the powers of the magnetic needle by his Aztec associates and their request in a letter addressed to the Emperor Charles V. Their belief, he adds, was one in which he took care to confirm them.