The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-23
Chimneys and Steeples Thrown to the
Earth, and Many Buildings Weakened
to Dangerous Degree.
Scenes of Terror and Confusion in the
Streets of a Number Of Cities.
Mr.. Gladstone Defeated in an Attempt to
Liberalize the Cattle Laws, and Ques-
toned About General Gordon.
.EARrHoUAKE IN ENGLAND.
Cities in the Vicinity of London Severely
Shalxen-Great Damage at Colchester.

Cities in the Vicinity of London Severely
Shaken-Great Damage at Colchester.
LONDON, April 22.-At $50 this morning an
earthquake shock of considerable force was felt
in the eastern counties of England Localities
in Essex and Suffolk were the scenes of greatest
disturbance. At Ipswich the shock was so
severe that the walls of houses were perceptibly
shaken plates were ratified and bells rung. Peo-
pie have been thrown into such state of con
stenation that business is for time sus-
pended
The shock was still more severe at Colchester,
where the conclusion lasted half minute The
first symptom was deep, rumbling sound por-
tentous and aweinspiring, speedily followed by
a quaking and shaking of all buildings The
church bells sounded as though rung by unseen
hands, the tall chimney stacks of factories
crashed in ruins to the earth,
and other lofty structures were
destroyed. The spire of one of the largest
churches in the city, $50 feet high, fell with
an awful crash to the ground It is impossible
to estimate the amount of damage, but it is
known to be great In private houses the great
est confusion prevailed. Chairs and tables were
overturned, China and glassware in cupboards
ratified together and were frequently shattered,
while pictures and other ornaments upon the
walls were loosened from their fastenings and
fell to the floor. The people were terror
stricken. Men, women and children rushed
shrieking into the streets, where their agonized
cries and pale faces made startling scene.
At Chelmsford, about thirty miles from Lon
don, the shock was also severe, and the people
were filed with terror and dismay
At Southend the earth trembled for miles
around, the windows of many dwellings were
broken, chimneys dashed to the earth and
crockery and glassware smashed.
At Maiden, ten miles east of Chelmsford, the
town hall and private houses were swayed
several times The wave passed from south to
north.
The Globe says the shock was felt in the
Strand, London. A business house, it asserts,
was perceptbly rocked, so much so that the en-
ployes were affected and rushed into the streets.
The duration of the shock at Ipswich was es-
timated at three seconds. The earthquake has
caused general feeling of alarm and insecurity
throughout England. Colchester was the center
of the most serious disturbance 1t is impossible
as yet, to determine the extent of the damage.
the present as the buildings have been so badly
shattered that they are considered dangerous.
The sidewalks of houses near Colchester were
shaken out.
In London there were numerous indications of
the proximity of the earthquake. Telegraph in
struments were shaken, and the shock was dis
tinctly felt in Cheapside and Fleet street At
Ipswich mansion was shattered and q railway
depot partially destroyed.
At Colchester child was killed and a woman's
skull fractured. The woman is in precarious
condition. There were many narrow escapes
The fine old parish church at Lugenloe was
demolished, and the place looks as if it had been
bombarded. An invalid died from terror The
damage at this place alone is f4, 0OO
AT Congge's Hall number of girls rushed
panic stricken into the streets and many of them
were crushed.