The Livingston enterprise. [volume] (Livingston, Mont.) 1883-1914, 1886-11-20
Montana Historical Society

in the center. clashing and rafting in thci
descent with terrific violence. 1t was sal,
by some who witnessed these eruptions o
stone that large masses were thrown east
ward into the wood several hundred yard
beyond the Firehole river. Most of thos,
who witnessed these eruptions fled to !,
distance and were undoubtedly mistaken
in this matter. was there during the
greater part of two days and am sure the
petrol eruptons were vertical and that every
stone fell back into the abyss; few only
of the smaller stones were washed into
the Firehole river. But at the instant when
the boiling flood receded to level with
the geyserite walls of the abyss, the earth
oscilated violently, as if shaken by an
earthquake, These vibrations occurred at
the close of every eruption, and were so
strong as to induce those standing near to
support each other to prevent falling.
may add that on the east side of the
river these vibrations we1e not felt, but
were distinctly felt over the whole of the
formation west of the Geyser and of Par
adisc lake, as far as l could learn from
those who fled into the woods for safety
during the eruption.
1t is difficult for those who have seen
Hell's Half Acre during its queisence since
1882 60 form any adequate idea of the
enormous manifestations of force that were
exhibited during these eruptions. Some
idea may be had when it is known that
after the largest discharges, the Firehole
river rose II inches and that it was instant
death for any aquatic bird or beast that
ventured into their accustomed bath for
six miles below.
The recent earthquake of Sunday, Nov
9TH was therefore most naturally ascribed
10 fresh outbreak of Hells Half Acre.
But am well informed that none such
las occurred. am inclined to the view
hat the real cause of the shock was at
or near the Norris Basin.
Among the group of geysers southeast
If the Porcelain Basin, of which the Mon
lrch. the Black Growler and Minute Gev-
ers are prominent, there has been some
marked changes during the past two years.
The Minute Gesyer has suspended action,
While the Black Growlcr has become |
powerful steam-aqueous geyser, and the
Enchanted Hurricane is an entirely fresh |
outbreak. Prior to these changes it had
'een noticed that on walking over the sur
ace there were periodical shocks of great
orce near where the Enchanted Hurri
ane is now in active and unremlttent op.
ration. No one can tell when this ter
ific torrent first broke its way to the sur
ace. It was first seen in the spring of
885. Its outbreak was preceded by visi-
lie perturbations. Superheated steam was
Undoubtedly imprisoned in vast subtera-
can chambers, and while thus imprisoned
as continuously seeking to escape at the
eakest point. When this point of least
'sistance was found the accumulated
'rces were discharged and new geyser
egan to play its part in the great drama
cosmic forces.
In March, 1883, aeerriic shock was felt
Mammoth Hot Springs a little after
midtown. Early next morning it was
und that one of the boiling springs that
applied one of our bath houses had dis
,peared and that in few hours what had
zen a boiling lake with beautifully seal
ped terrace walls, had added one more
the list of dead terraces.
This shock that had been ascribed to an
rthquake, was simply the breaking down
an immense mass of magnetism lime
one, including many thousand tons, that
d been preclpitated in moment into
e subterranean chamber, which had been
cavated for many centuries by the boil
9 water that had carried the carbonates to
e surface IN invisible molecules, and had
tilt up more beautiful terraces, that are }
e wonder and admiration of all who
We seen them.
1t will be found, when the spring of
81 arrives, that either the earth has
ened to the imperious forces imprisoned
meath, or that the walls of an old cham o
r have fallen in and shaken the rock-rib e
d earth. G.L. HENDERSON. |;
Death of Ex-President Arthur La
Ex-President Chester A. Arthur died at o
home in New York city, Thursday d
'rning, Nov. 18, at a. m. His death b
lsed great surprise. Notwithstanding a
alarming rumors as to his health p
ring the summer months, the supposed IL
provement in his condition, noted dur 10
his stay in New London, Connecticut, -