Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 April 1906 — VOLCANIC HAVOC [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

VOLCANIC HAVOC

Scenes on the Slopes of Vesuvius Recall Pompeii and Herculaneum. hundreds dead AND INJURED Roof of a Church Collapses, Catching Scores in Its Fall. KINO AND QUEEN ON THE SCENE They Brave Great Danger In Visiting the Destitute Inhabitants—De , vastut ion Is Everywhere and Terror Universal.

Naples, April 12. —The loss, to property by the volcanic outbreak Is estimated at $20,000,000 and It Is announced that 50,000 persons have been rendered homeless. ———- Naples, April 11.—A frightful disaster occurred in the center of this city, following the eruptions of Mount Vesuvius. Two hundred people, it Is estimated, were burled in the ruins of the market Monte Oliveto, when the roof collapsed under the weight of cinders from the volcano. Naples. April 10.—More than 200 persons perished in the district of San Gulsepire. From of the church, the roof of which collapsed, forty-nine corpses have been recovered. At Sorrento thirty-seven were killed. Naples, April 10.—Yesterday was a day of terror for the cities, towns and country about Mount Vesuvius. Unconfirmed reports place the number of

dead and injured at several hundred, hut not many facts can he obtained upon which to base an accurate estimate. At this writing the situation appears more assuring, the lava streams having diminished in volume and in some directions having stopped altogether, while a copious rainfall is cooling the lava where it lies stationary. Almost equally with the devastation wrought by the lava is the damage done by cinders and ashes, which in incredible quantities have been carried great distances. Hoof of Church Collapses. This lms caused the practical destruction of San Guiveppe. a place of O.oon inhabitants. All but 200 of the people had fled front San Guiseppe, and these 20<i assembled in a church to attend mass. While the priest was performing his sacred office the roof fell in nnd many persons were killed and injured. The unfortunates were for hours without surgical or medical assistance. The only tiling left standing in the church Was it statue of St. Anne, the preservation of which tin* poor, homeless people accepted us a miracle and promise of deliverance from their peril. Twelve Killed at Ottnjano. At Ottajano fire churches and ten houses fell under the weight of ashes and cinders, which lie four feet deep on the ground. In the fall of the buildings about twelve persons were killed and many were injured. The village is completely deserted by its people. After the evacuation of the place the barracks and prisons fell in. deports from coast and inland towns depict terrible devastation. Sun Giorgio, Cremona. Port id. Resina and Torre del Greco have been almost completely abandoned. The inhabitants of Torre Anuunziato are prepared to leave at a moment's warning. Somnia Vesuviana Is another village which has suffered most severely.

DEATH HOI.L MAY REACH 500 More Than 200 Lost in the San Guiseppe District Alone. Naples, April 10. —According to information received here probably as many ns 500 lives were lost in the Vesuvius eruption. It is said that more than 200 persons perished in the district of San Guiseppe, while from thd ruins of a church which collapsed owing to the weight of ashes on the roof forty-nine corpses linve been extricated, and it Is asserted that at 'Sorrento thir-ty-seven persons were killed by falling houses. A railway train from San Gulseppe for Naples was derailed, ow-

ing to showers of stones from tbe crater. Cavalry proceedings to the succor of the inhabitants of the devastated section have been unable to make progress, the rain falling on the asbes a foot deep having made it Impossible for the horses to travel. The most of the buildings in the villages are of flimsy eonstructipn and have flat roofs, and so are but poorly calculated to bear the weight of ashes and cinders that have fallen upon therii. Inevitably it will be found that a considerable number of persons has perished by the falling of their homes. Refugees from the threatened or destroyed villages are pouring into Naples by the thousands, arriving In every description of conveyance and on foot. The roads are crowded with processions of men anil women carrying crosses and crying piteously. KING AND AT HAND They Visit the Scene of Terror—Greeted with Enthusiasm. King Victor Emmanuel and Queen Helena have further endeared themselves to the people by their activity in behalf of sufferers by the eruption, and the government is exerting Itself for the relief of the destitute. This work, however, is obstructed by the coiigrestlon of all means of transportation. which are monopolized in the carrying of people out of the zone of danger. The king and queen and their suites arrived at Naples yesterday morning from Rome. When the royal train reached the station the eruption of the volcano was almost at its

worst, but both insisted upon leaving immediately for Torre Aimunziato, the king declaring “If Torre Annunzlata is in danger it is my duty to be there.” Traveling in automobiles, and accompanied by the Duke and Duchess of Aosta and the Princess of Schles-wig-Holstein, they set out for the afflicted districts. Touching scenes greeted them along the way. By the king’s order there was no attempt to keep the people away from him. The sovereigns visitd Santa Anastasia, Cerola and Somma Yesuvlana, where they were greeted with great enthusiasm. At a certain point the royal party were struck by a small cyclone of ashes and cinders. Tbe king sent his motor car ahead at full speed, and crossed the path of the cyclone in safety. It was found necessary to continue the journey on foot. The conditions at Torre Annunzlata anil rompeil have improved, owing to the change in the direction taken by tbe flowing lava. About 150,000 refugees from the district of Somma Vesuviana have sought shelter here and elsewhere.

Vesuvius Exhausted. Naples, April 12. —Conditions in the section affected ; by tlie eruption of Mount Vesuvius are greatly ameliorated. The fall of volcanic ashes has diminished, and scientists express the opinion that the volcano has spent itself. All the papers advise the public to he calm, pointing out the improved condition of affairs. The theaters, cases and places of amusement throughout the city have been closed, and before all the sacred images in the streets candles are kept burning, while smaller images are being carried about, in many cases being set down in the open air and surrounded by caudles. Five Hundred Have Perished. Rome, April 11. —A dispatch from Naples to The Tribuna reports that 500 persons have perished in the district between Ottajano and San Guiseppe.

VESUVIUS IN ERUPTION