The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1883-10-27
EARTHQUAKES.

During the past Eve months some
thing has gone violently wrong WIN
the earth, or that portion of 1t IN
and adjacent to the continent OF
Asia, There have been groaningS
and upreavals, ground swells and
sinkings, earth waves and wrl1h>
ings. until the face Of large sections
of country is entirely changed
creeks are running in different
courses from those formerly, nouns
tains project from what were PLAINS
and gullies take the places of high
hills. Many islands have disap-
reared from view, and where the
sea once rolled is high and dry
plateau. These changes have been
wrought within a short time, be-
ginning with the earthquake IN
lava. and continuing down through
a series of jars and rup-
lures the latest of which
that were marked by much destruc-
ton of life and property, occurring
in Asia Minor the other day, when
1000 or more lives were lost. 1t has
been estimated that not less than
2o,eoo people have been killed by
these commissions Of the earth, and
the property destroyed is something
appalling, whole cities and towns
being overturned and wrecked, and
vast ranges of territory made
worthless. Science has never yet
been able to account satisfactorily
for earthquakes. Various theories
have been advanced, but they have
all been theories and nothing more.
Some of them are dispelled by every
shock. Anciently, in their supersti-
ton and ignorance, the inhabi-
tants regarded earthquakes az
manifestations Of natures dis
approval Of Che conduct Of mortals'
but no such idea is entertained now
s-days, when superstition has given
place to reason. If there were any
thing in theories Utah might trem-
bic with fear and shake with appre-
hension. AS noted in these columns
the other morning, Professor Gil
bert has predicted that an earth
quake will range across this Terri
tory, bringing dire havoc to people
and things. The professor is moi
ioking In this matter, but is IL
sober, scientific earnest, firmly be-
lieying In his own prediction, ant
trying to impress his belief upol
others. Two thousand years ag'
had learned scientist told that
certain region was about to b.
shaken by q CONFUSION of the earth
he might have produced stamped
of the inhabitants; now, however
only the quake itself can driv'
people away. They pay les
attention to the prophetic utter
ances of Professort Gilber than t.
the senseless chatter of Mothe
Shipton, or the twaddle of tn
gypsy bag who processes power Il
look into the future and tell o.
things to come. Earthquakes art
the results O. natural causes, ant
when science learns what thes'
causes are, it will be needed; unit
it does acquire the knowledge it il
foolish to assert theories and offe
guesses.
The only point that is certain il
the year 1883, is that nature is guilt
of some high oldiprauks in the ia
east. 1t is not because the peopl
there are bad, but as result c
some internal disarrangement G
condition that man does not under
stand. May be these internal com
motions will be removed to til
western hemisphere, and the has
of operations be established VI
pleasantly close to Utah: but Unit
that change is made and convu
sions manifest themselves, nobod
in this Territory will lose rest ov
Professor Gilbert's predictions.