The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-20
EARTHQUAKE AND FIRE.
The Fatal Visitation in San SalvadOr.--ItS
Approach, Warnings and Sud-
den Realization.
Fifty Lives Lost and 100000 Worth Of
Property Destroyed-Fire Following the
Volcanic Agitation Rural Scenes Near
the Seat Of Desolation-Executive
Energy and Prompt Charity.

SAN SALVADOR, March "a, 1873.
Ever since the 4th inst, when we had shock or
earthquake, which more or less damaged the
greater part OF the houses in town, we had most
unpleasant reminders that we live In volcanic
country par excellence. STILL none of us feared
that such total ruin about to overtake the city
as that which was caused by succession OF shocks
on the morning OF the 10th inst. Fortunately, be-
fore the severe shock came. one or two milder
ones, though they were strong enough in all con-
science had frightened almost every one out OF
bed and into the court yards and public squares
Owing to this TACT very great numbers OF
people were not killed. for the ruin OF the city has
been as total as was that OF Mendoza, and as dis
astrous monctariy TO the residents as 1t possibly
could be.
THE GREAT VISITATION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES.
When the great shock came, at little after two
A. NJ, the houses commenced crashing down In all
directions, and just now there is not . house fit
for habitation IN the town, except a new frame
building and the front part Of the Hotel del Parque
The ground trembled and heaved; the fluctuations
of the earthquake waves were as perceptible as
are those OF the sea to one in a small boat.
For miles round much damage has been done.
Many people have gone to Santa Fecla, about three
leagues on where the different shakes, though
they have made themselves felt, have not done
THE SCENE IN THE RURAL DISTRICTS.
On the road out OF the city to place called Cedro
whittier l rode yesterday, there are large tracts
where the ground looks as II 1t had been newly
ploughed up, while in other parts there cracks
and assures, when show the powerful forces
which were at work.
Loyopango and Ilopango, two neighboring vii
lagos, are entirely dOwn-even the straw houses
having shared the fate OF the more substantial
edifices.
At San Martin only the church and couple Of
old houses down. White on the road thence to
Cojutepeque almost every building has been de-
Shortly after the severe shock fire broke out
in ruined drug store and had IL not been for the
energy displayed by the President, who directed
and took charge OF one OF the hose, 1t is than
probable that what the earthquake left unde-
stroyed the flames would have consumed.
FOREIGN INTERESTS.
No foreigners have been injured.
THIEVES IN THE RUINS.
In some few cases roofs have remained standing,
supported by the uprghts, but in every case ali
the tiles have been shaken of.
A couple OF thieves, who attempted to ply their
by order Of the President, and this act OF neces-
sary justice mad such good erect that not rob-
berry has been heard r OF Of ooo ,oss
The loss will amount to more than five millions
OF dollars. A great deal OF the material Will be
reason as much az any other the government has
issued q decree that the capital will not be re-
moved, a. many had supposed 1t would be- de-
squat all vacant lots. It is more than probable
that great deal OF wood will be used In the cen
struction OF the new town. since the wooden build
ing before mentioned Is the only one which has
remained uninjured.
Considering the severe losses the people are
very cheerful.
San Miguel, Santa Ana and other towns which
did not feel the effects OF the earthquake, imme-
plenty Of provisions, which were very scarce here
Tor couple OF days.