Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1886-09-10

Last week tile hEGiSTER cOuIaihcI al
account of an earthquake that visited
various sections of the country. 1t was
then stated that fears were entertained
that the city of Charleston had been
ruined, us no news could be obtained
from there. When commune alton
was established it was found that the
worst fears were realized. The shock
that was felt but slightly elsewhere,
concentrated Its power ut Charleston,
and shook the city into mass OF ruins.
As the people rushed from the tottering
buildings they were crushed by the fall
ing walls, and sixty or seventy persons
were killed outright, while hundreds
were injured. Almost Immediately
fire broke out, and whole block was
burned before the flames were checked.
The loss of property by fire and earth
quake is estimatrd at $40 900, 900. Three
feurths of the buildings in the city are
damaged so badly that they will have TO
be rebuilt. The city is one mass OF
wreck. The streets are completely
blockaled with debris of ruined houses,
telegraph poles and wires. Vehicles OF
any kind cannot be driven through the
streets, while pedestrianism is both dam
gerous and difficult. The people have
been in the streets since the occurrence
of the first shock wringing their hands
and crying aloud to God to save tn EN-.
AS there have been Il number of shocks
since the fatal Tuesday night, tIe peo-
ple are afraid to remain in their houses,
for fear they may topple over at any
moment. Tents of every conceivable
style and material have been erected on
vacant lots and in the public squares,
and the whole city is camped out.
Most of the victims were colored peo-
pie, and the negroes are in an awful
state of fear and excitement. Many OF
them firmly believe that the Judgment
day is coming. They spend their time
singing and praying, and their religious
frenzies became so great that the au-
thorities had to interfere.
As may be imagined, great distress is
occasioned by the forcing from home OF
those who are sick and who require the
utmost care and attention. One CORE
spondent writes: ''There have been
many births since the first shock. No
less than ten are already reported. This
morning lady was taken to Washing
ton square in the agonics Of mother
hood, and soon thereafter she was the
mother of smiling twins, she resting
easy, although hundred people wit
messed it. Yesterday it was but little
talked of that baby was born there in
the morning in the presence of hum
dred persons. These are earthquake
times, and social delcacies are not over
strictly observed, although the utmost
respect and Difference is shown in every
instance"
Rain began falling on Monday, and
caused great alarm because of the shell
terless condition of so many people. For
tunately the showers were light. The
railroad. companies are issuing free tick
cts to those who wish to get away from
Charleston, and hundreds are ayailing
themselves of the privilege. The contri-
buttons received from various sections
of the country already amount to sew
eral hundred thousand dollars, and it is
thought will soon reach a half million.
The relief committee in Charleston have
opened headquarters and are distrib-
uting provisions. The supply of gov
eminent tents has run out, and it is
likely some of the money will be used
to erect temporary board shelters. Sci
entsts are predicting that the shocks
will be felt in and around Charleston
every day for some weeks to come.