New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-08-31
TILE ERNPTIONS ~ J1HA.

The later reports from Java seem to raise
the volcanic CONFUSION there to the rank Oh
one of the most destructive calamltles known
in the history Of the human race. The loss OF
life in the great earthquake in Lisbon IN 100
was variously estimated at from 10000 10
60. 900. The earthquake OF just q hunnred
wears ago in Calabia, the southern part OF
Italy. caused loss estimated by some Ut
40 600. by others at 100000. Discrepancies
like these illustrate the difficulty of learning
exactly the extent of such terrible disasters,
involving great populations and extensive
tracts of country in a common ruin. We shall
never know. probably, with any degree OF
de6niteness the loss of life in Java, but if the
reports are not grossly exaggerated this
calamity will stand in history with those OF
Lisbon and Calabria, and may even outrank
them. Beside it the recent earthquake at Casa
mcciola sinks into insgnificance. One tmne
making it highly probable that there has been
a vast loss of life is the density OF the popu-
lation in Java This is as great as that OF the
most popuous countries in irope, the island
possessing, with its rare natural beauty ana
mild climate, a population exceeding that OF
all the other islands Of the Indian Ocean
together.
The occurrence will be of deep interest to
scientific men Tor the light which it may throw
upon the relations of volcanic eruptions ana
earthquakes, ana the caus's OF Ooth' aiter
which science is still cropping, good deal IN
the dark. The vsitltions ut Lisbon and III
Calabria were earthquakes, and'the former was
remote from a centre OF volcanic action. The
latter has been supposed TO be related To as
turbances in Vcsuvius. As rule, however
the most destructive earthquakes have not
been in volcanic regions, while on the other
hand. ear hquakes are most common where
volcanoes are most numerous. 1t Is not be-
ieved that earthquakes are the result of vol
canic eruptionS. but rather that both are
manifestations of the same forces. Inc con-
vnls on of nature in Java combines tho char
aeteristics OF both. EItraor linary eruptons
of volcanoes were accompanied by violent
changes in the earth's surface, hlgh
islands or mountains sinking INTO the sea
and great uprising OF the water as
at Lisbon, engulfng large numbers OF people,
sweeping away lighthouses and destroying
towns One of the more famous eruptions In
the history OF Jaw illustrated tho fact that
volcanic action may often be in progress over
n large territory. This was more than hun
dred years ago, when an eruption oil Papah-
dayang, one of the largest of the volcanoes
overwhelmed with ashes an area of hundred
square miles, killing 5000 people. There
were simultaneous eruplOns from two yolca-
noes respectively 1S4 and 352 miles from
Papandayang, although those close Mt hand
were silent. The present disturbance, about
which the news is still vague, seems To have
extended over considerable territory also.
The island of Java, being crowded, so to
sneak. with volcanoes, illustrates the fact just
mentioned regarding the frequency of earth
auakes where there are many volcanoes. In
1873. record was made of sixteen distinct
earthquakes throughout the island. The latest
serious disturbances seem to have been four
years ago, when there were several severe
shocks, with a considerable loss of life, in the
Preanger Regencies. The authentic record of
earthquakes and eruptions in Java runs back
for more than century, and makes gloomy
recital. Here may be found other illustrations
OF the wide variations in the reports OF such
losses. The destruction OF life by the erup-
ton of Mount Gailunggong in 1922 Is put
down by some authorities at 10000; by others
at 1000.
IL will be observed that the disturbance in
Java, like those of Ischia, fit into MaIlets
theory that the proximity of the sea, or some
large body of water, is necessary element
either in earthquakes or volcanic eruptions,
an outbreak of i,.neous matter beneath the sea
resulting in the generation and then the con-
densation OF vast volumes Of steam. which
excite volcanic centres, or set the earth itself
in motion. The commissions reported are close
upon the northwestern coast. 1t il to be con-
sidered also as bearing upon the frequency of
eruptions in Java, with relation to the nearness
of the sea, that the greatest breadth of the
island is only 121 miles.
DISAPPOINTED IN DORSEY