The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-10-07
PERU.

The Earthquake Panic-The Mixed Gem
m;ssion--rhe Spanish Ganboats.
LIMA, Sept. IA, 1869.
The public mind is stn greatly excited on the sub
Ject OF the coming earthquake. which, according to
the prediction OF the German savant Mr.. Falb VIII
desoate Peru and Ecuador. Although the months
we are passing through are essentially the earth
quake period, and shocks to be ex-
pected at every moment, yet several pheno-
mena have occurred that have inc reased the
unfortunate public excitement, and II Is to be feared
that when the time for the fulflment OF the
prophecy great deal OF harm Will result from the
very measures to pc taken FOR escape and security.
large city like Lima, flied with wealth and luxury,
deserted by its inhabitants who fee to the neighbour
ing valleys and hills III their terror offers inviting
field for plunder, murder and every crime in the cal
endar. The soldiers and police are as bad In many
cases as the robbers themselves, and would probably
gladly embrace the opportunity to Incorporate them
selves in associations not limited In responsibility
that promise such noble percentage on the amount
OF capital invested.
The alarming accounts OF earthquakes continually
occurring in the south, the extraordinary tidal phe-
n0mena noticed along the coast the sea rising
higher than for many years past. the proximity OF
the earth 10 those planets known to exercise most
unpleasant influence upon IT, and the predictions OF
number OF Peruvian Falbs all conspre to create
may cause nearly as much injury very respecta-
bic earthquake Already numbers OF families have LETT
the capital ana others are preparing to follow.
Callao Is at night deserted nearly the whole popua-
ton sleeping at a little village called Bella Vista,
about a mile from the sea and on high ground. Even
the merchants are taking their most valuable effects
from the bonded warehouses OF the Custom House,
medalesome Dutchman Is lamentIble. Almost bet.
ter That the earthquake should take US unawarcs
than such alarm for an uncertainty.
The English mail steamer Payta, on her voyage
from Calao to Valparaiso, on the 29tn nit, expe-
rlenced most singular sensation. When about Hfty
miles north OF iquique, three miles from the land
and in seventy-hve fatloms OF water, the shock
OF an earthquake was felt that shock the
vessel so violently to break IN pieces all
the glass, windows and crockery on board,
and threw down chars tables, and even iron Safes
At the same time the became violently agiGated
aud most peculiar rumbng noise was distinctly
heard. The motion lasted for nearly fifty seconds
had 1t continued for twenty more the engineers
declare THAT the boilers would have exploded, such
was the violence OF the shock. The vessel was,
tunatey, in excellent condition, and although OF
2OJO tons burden no damage was caused TO her huh
or machinery. After the movement all on board,
from the captain to the COOK, became very sick,
and for several hours the vessel appeared more like
hospital than u passenger steamer The shock
was felt on the adjacent mainland, though not with
the severity above described The exact OF the
9 occurrence was latitude 10 II south and longitude
10 II west.
Mr.. Michael Vidal OF Louisiana, appointed COM
missioner on the part OF the United States under the
convention celebrated with Peru for the final
arrangement OF all claims pending between the two
countries arrived here on the LIST INST. The govern
ment OF Peru Immediately named as commissioner
on Its behalf Dr. Luciano Benjamin Cisneros, OF
the most talented lawyers in the republic, and
formerly Minister OF Justice In President Baas first
cabinet. These gentlemen met the 4th OF the
present month, according 10 The terms OF the conyen
ton, and Immediately proceeded 20 business. Quite
number OF claims on the part OF American
citizens have been filed In the legation here
and several are held by PeruyIans against
the government OF the United states The
commissioners are bound 10 conclude their labors
within six months and the claimants, mostly men OF
reduced circumstances, are In hopes that their dis
tresses, now extending over o term OF year and a
hail. Will be speedily aeviated. The Peruvian gov
eminent have acted most credtably In the matter
and have spared no effort to bring The affair To its
present promising condition
The action OF the President OF the United States in
regard to the thirty spanish gunboats being
plaudits In Peru. The American policy regarding
Cuba and Its independence was not at first under
stood In Peru; but afterwards, when the
1mpossiblity OF acting otherwise on account
OF tho precedent OF the rebellion and the
existing state OF circumstances relating to the
Alabama the Presidents policy was perceived, and,
although the necessity was granted still the impos
deeply. Peru In her present condition can do nothing
70 aid the Ever Faithful Isle although, In addition
TO the rumor that Colonel Prado proposed seizinp
the monitors and proceeding to assist the cause we
now nave stories OF the monitors voyage up the
Amazon touching Peruvian waters, and then, after
fulfilling the promise OF the Minister OF Peru in ash.
ington, returning to Cuba to be placed under the
but the people here would be delighted 10 see the
vessels mat have cost them 30 much money employed
In a cause with which they sincerely sympathize.
NO Importance is attached here to the rnmor that
the Spanish iron-cad Victoria Ia about to proceed
against the Peruvian monitors.