The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1842-06-25
VARIOUS MATTERS.
FURTHER PARTICULARS OF THE EARTH.
QUAKE IN HAYTI.
PoRro Plaza. Nau 20. fs42.

which, in its destructive effects, has proved
Itself be the severest which we have ever
had on record The weather had been for
many days past excessively no. and sul.ry;
the temperature varying from 920 10 950 in
the shade, and 100 when exposed TO
the solar rays. The winds were hot, ,parch-
ing, and unfreshing, and the drough had
been for some time past prevailing. In the
afternoon of that day, at about half-past s
O'Clock, was standing on the square,
which is situated IN an elevated part of this
town. The sky was uncommonly serene,
and the descending sun promised TO be
bright and glorious in it's setting. Just then
casting my eyes towards Mount isabella,
which overlooks the town, perceived g
dark vspor ascending aud enveloping lis
base aud sides: rolling rumbling sound
Immediately succeeded, and insloneousy
came a shock which nearly dashed me TO
the ground The level of the square ap-
peared undula,ing like the waves Of the sea;
faint and sickly sensation came over me
snd dizziness and difficulty of breathing.
The house rocked TO and fro, like vessels IN
storm. The ground was rem! In various
parts. Many, persons were thrown down
by the force of the concusson, Others were
reeling as in state of dlunkness. Every
moment we expected the earth to open and
Gngulph US. A second shock followed,
yet stronger than the former, accompanied,
by the same appearances, effects, and ter
rors. The church, strong and massive
building, seemed iottering TO its fall, the
h bricks flew from the solid masonry as il
from projectes; wide assures appeared in
| he oil nd md ft,o xuh
[ have been leveIed, but for the uncommon
strength of the outside buttresses and the
lowpess Of The building. Itwas affecting to
\ hear the terrfce cries and lamentations of
A women and children, and instructive to cen.
template, even then; their lowly prosiraiioa
I 10 the Divinity, imploring his mercy, aid,
/ succor, in their distress. The second
\ shock must have lasted about 60 seconds
4 Fortunely for US, our town is almost entire
Wy constructed Of wood. which alone ac-
counts for its preservation. The stone
kbnildngs suffered materially, and some Of
the finest were entirely destroyed From
the 7th up 10 the present date, we have
been in continued state Of alarm-upwards
Eof 40 shocks having taken place during that
6nterval, soma more or less severe. Pro-
| lcessIons and prayers are continually on foot
Ito avert; ifpossible, the Divine displeasure.
PThe men wear seriousiano solemn looks;the
twomen. when notin the professions, are
silting al the doors Of their houses. either
bin tears or with books Of prayer. Business
9s not even though Of such is our state of
|Iagila,ion.
The fine town OF Santiago. abou. 60
miles distan. in the interior, and the centre
pf cur agricultural commerce in this part,
has been entirely destroyed. The popula-
Jon consisting of sbout 5000 souls, of
(which 500 areburied in lhe ruins. Further
n theinserior. the towns ofrVega. and st.
0sero have met wit similar fa!es. The
pity Of Cape Hayden, deposite Of all the
tgrcu!aral products, Of It's 6ne plain-the
sspital Of the 'norlhen par. Of .he issud-the
irn city in Hayt for the beauty and soldi.
LIZ Of its buildings, and The second only in
size and importance--has met with utter
destruction, and it is one immense mass
crumbing ruin. Ii is stated ,ha. the
Humber who have been crushed 10 death,
ind who have otherwise fallen victims
here 10 this calamity. amounts 10 1000
puls. A gentleman who left Immediately
fter the disaster, informed me that so
hidden had been the catastrophe, that hardly
hree seconds were allowed to escape from
be houses. thousands wers buried alive,
I'D no relief at hand. Cries of agony and
bricks would nov and then proceed from
,e buildings, and break The solemn Stiffness
the night. Many dead AMI purified
6pdiss we're lying in the streets .&no body to
kmoye them. The air was tainted with the
faction, and pest seemed guilty sellling
yer the city
2lst May'-Since writing the foregoing.
rihef intelligence has reached MS from the
APE. which has materially added TO the
brrors of its former situation. The city
'ipg a depot for all the articles imported
Il the supplies of the interior, an immense
iantitv Of merchandise was generally
Ppt on hahd for that purpose At the
riod Of lis dreadful visitation the supplies
re abundant and the stores crowded with
iods Will j, bs believed ,ha. the copid.
aud dePravity Of human nature should so
n overcome the terror inspired BY the aw.
ness Of the catastrophe. as TO perm.
pa 10 indulge and RIO, in systematic and
ganzsd pilagel This is, however. most
.rfully true. Hundreds Of individuals,