Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1886-09-05
A SCIENTIFIC EXAMINATION
OF the Region Of Country About Summer

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CHARLESTON, S. c., September 4.-Proi.
w. T. MCGEE, OF the United States geolog-
ical survery, went to Summerville on Fri-
day to investigate the immediate or remote
causes of the recent earthquake lie
stopped at Ten Mile Station, around when
the earthquake was particularly active
and paid especial attention to the matter
which was thrown up from the craters,
which are numerous through the belt
of country extending from Dlsher's
farm four miles from Ten Mile Hill north
and south and likewise east and west for
an indefinite distance along the seacost.
Prof. MCGEE collected specimens OF the
soil and mud which had been thrown up
and SAMPLES of the water which flowed
from the fissures to-day, and particularly
noted the cavities OH the farm of MT.
Charles Lee, the largest of which Is about
sixteen feet square and sixteen feet deep.
At Summerville Prof McGee continued his
investigations. He said that when he left
Washington ne thought that he would
have little difficulty in de-
termining the approximate cause of the
earthquake, but confessed to have been
much puzzled by his observations Con-
trary to expectation he found that the MS
sures were not uniform in their direction.
Some extended from north to south and
Others from east to west, and on this ac-
count he would hesitate now to give any
scientific declaration. He did, however,
give the opinion thatlthe shocks were
THE RESULT OF LOCAL LAND SLIDES.
Nv the term local he does not mean that
the slides could be traced to any particular
place at Summeryille, Charleston, or else
where, and remarked that there was no
connection between the slides and any sup
pressed volcano action. His impression is
that the area covered by the land slide
theory has been from forty TO one hun
dred miles under the bed OF
the sea. lie was confident, moreover,
that the worst was passed. His statement,
however, was made prior to the severe
shock at IL o'clock last night. He left
Summerville this morning for the phOs
phate desert, where he will continue his
observations. Prof. McGee's remarks
have had an excellent effect. Up to yes
terday about 1000 persons, or one-third of
the whole population, had left Summer
Vile, hut it is expected Prof McGee's
statement will stop any further exodus.
The feeling to-day is
DECIDEDLY MORE CHEERFUL
and better tone naturally pervadeS the
community. Workmen are at work upon
the injured buildings, putting them in or
der and as much Us possible is being done
to protect interiors from the rains, which
are expected. Another element which in
creaseS confidence is the organization to-
day OF strong relief committee, which
will take entire charge of the pro-
vision Of food, of clothing and
quarters rs far rs necessary for those who
have suffered by earthquake A consider
able number Of tents have been received
from the government, and Others are cx-
pected tomorrow. The Opera House,
aims house, and both Catholic orphan
asylums have been provided with sufficient
shelter. An encampment for other refugees,
in military style, is now being formed on
South BATTERY There will be an encamp-
mcnt for cOlOrcd refugees on Marion square.