Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 34, Number 74, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 May 1902 — HORROR TOLD IN A NUTSHELL. [ARTICLE]

HORROR TOLD IN A NUTSHELL.

* St. Pierre, Martinique totally destroyed by fire, caused by terrible volcanic eruption May 8. All shipping in port destroyed. Entire population of 40,0*X) perished, including the Governor and his = -wtfe, ■' ' ■\/ ■ 1 7"'' ' Steamer Roraima and yabic sh’p Gfappler. with all on board, lost. Steamer Roddam narrowly escaped to St. Lucia; captain badly burned. - Nearly—all otlicers ami crew succumbed. South of island safe, but all vegetation destroyed; people and stock perishing for water; rivers blocked with ashes; food scarce. St, VineenL crater in full activity; can be seen fifty miles away. Steamers report thick ashes two hundred miles from island; dangerous to approach. Loss of life great. Cables broken. Epidemic Threatened. The captain of the cruiser Suchet reports that St. Pierre is nothing but a city of smoking ruins. ’He has received information from exploring parties that have managed to enter the city and this shows tiiat decomposition of the remains of the 30,000 human beings who lost their lives there has set in to such an extent that the odors arising almost surpass the sulphur flames. This condition of affairs threatens an epidemic of disease. Natives Fear World’s End. The surviving negroes of the island are made with terror over the calamity at St. Pierre, and many of them seem to think the end of the world has come.