Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 5, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1887 — HUNDREDS KILLED. [ARTICLE]

HUNDREDS KILLED.

Severe Earthquake Shocks at Nice, Cervo, and Other Places on the Mediterranean. Three Hundred People Perish at Cervo by Being Buried Beneath Falling Walls. Two severe shocks of earthquake occurred along the Gulf of Genoa, on the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 23, says a cable dispatch from Rome. Hundreds of people were killed and injured, and a vast amount of property destroyed. The first shock lasted fifteen seconds, and the second twelve seconds. The vibrations were « from east so west. The whole of the Rivera is devastated. Nice was croweded with English and American tourist-, who crowded the railway stations, anxious to leave on the first train. When the first shock occurred the streets of Nice were fairly thronged with maskers in ball-room costumes, returning to their homes from the last carnival of the winter season, worn and bedraggled by the night’s exercises, and looking dull and dreary under the glare of the early morning sunlight. The women screamed in terror. There was a wild rush in all directions for safety from what every one thought an awful impending calamity. The barking of dogs and clanging of church bells added to the momentary terror. The people first rushed to the church of Notre Dame and besieged the confessionals, where the dramatic scene was presented of many strong men on their knees praying. Then came the second shock. Terror was depicted on every face, and the praying crowds hastened outside for safety. The troops were called out to keep order among the crowds besieging the railway stations thrpughout the city. To-day there was a blue, cloudless sky and warm sun. Technical inspection will be necessary to discover the extent of the damage to property. One lady jumped from a window in terror when the first shock came, and now lies in a precarious condition. The Mayor to-day expressed the opinion that no more shocks were likely to occur, and enjoined the people to remain calm. Many persons sought refuge on the shore of the sea. The Maison Bourke and two houses were destroyed,

and three persons were buried beneath the ruins. Many other casualties are reported. Several slight shocks were felt at Borne, doing no damage. At Cervo, near Diano-Marino, 300 persons were killed by being buried in the ruins of falling buildings. Bailway traffic is suspended beyond Savona. The prisoners in the Government jail at Finalborgo, alarmed by the earthquake, attempted to escape, but were overcome by the guards. Many houses were wrecked at Savona and eleven persons were killed. At Noli, near Savona, several houses fell and five persons were killed. Six were killed and thirteen injured at Onegli. At DianoMarino, near Onegli, scores of people were killed and hundreds injured. Fully onethird of the town was destroyed. Three shocks were felt at Avignon, Cannes, Geneva, Leghorn, and Milan, though no damage is reported except the cracking of the walls of houses. There was a slight shock at Marseilles. At Genoa the shock was very violent. The ducal palace and many houses were seriously damaged. An enormous crowdwas at the Carlo Felice Theater to witness the gala performance, and the greatest alarm was felt when the shock came. At Turin the churches suffered severely. In the neighborhood of Dordigera many houses fell, killing the inmates. The news of the earthquake caused a great sensation at Paris. Slight shocks were felt at Vimes, Privas, Valence, Grenoble, and Lyons. The gendarmerie barracks at Cologne collapsed, and several persons were killed and injured. Two sharp shocks were felt in Corsica. Several persons were killed at Mentone, where St. Michael’s Church was badly damaged and the postoffice wrecked.