The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-09-05
MUCH MORE CHEERFUL.
A BETTER FEELING PREVAILING
AT CHARLESTON.
Scientific Investigation OF the Cause
OF the Earthquake - Another
Slight Shock.


States Geological Survey, went to
Summerville Friday to investigate the
immediate or remote causes OF the re-
cent earthquake. He stopped at Ten
Mile Hill Station, around which thu
earthquake was particularly active,
and paid especial attention to the mat
ter which was thrown up from the
craters, which are numerous through
the belt Of country extending from
Dieher's farm, about four miles from
Ten Mile Hill, north and eouth, and
likewise extend west for an indefinite
distance along the seacoast. Prof
McGee collected specimens OF the
soil and mud which had been
thrown up and samples of the waters
which flowed from the assures, taking
particular note of the cavities on the
farm of Mr.. Charles Lee, the largest OF
which is sixteen feet square and six
teen feet deep. At Summerville he
continued his investigations and
talked freely with gentlemen there.
One of these gives the NewS and Cou.
risr sketch of Prof. McGee's state
ment. Prof. MCGEE eaid that the or.
namental work and ginger bread work
in Cha tleston was in many instances
out OF proportion to the size OF the
buildings, and these parts will
be apt TO fall and carry away
portions of the general s'ruet-
ure. He said that when he left |
Washington he thought he would
have very little difficulty in determin-
ing the apparent cause OF the earth
gu Ike, brit confess ed to have been
much puzzled by his observations.
Contrary to expectations, he found
that the assures were not uniform in
their direction. Some extended from
north to south aud others from east to
west, and on this account he would
hesitate now to give any scientific
declaration. He did, however, give
the opinion that the shocks were
the result OF local land slidee. By the
term local he does not mean that the
shakes can be traced 10 any particular
place at Summerville, Charleston or
elsewhere, and remarks that there
was no connection between the shakes
aud the suppressed volcanic action.
His suppression Is that the area covered
by land slide theory has been from
forty to one hundred miles under the
the sea. He was confident, more
over, that the worst was passed. This
statement, however, was made prior
to the, severe shock at IL o'clock
lat night He left Summerville this
morning for the Phosphate district,
where he will continue his observa.
ions. McGee's remarks have had an
excellent effect. Up to yesterday
about 1000 persons, or one-third of
the whole population, had left Sum-
mtrville, and it is expected Prof. Nc
Gees statement will stop any further
exodus.
Mr.. Samuel Hammond, who was
reported as dangerously injured and
dying, is now doing well.
The feeling today is decidedly more
cheerful, and batter tone naturally
pervades the community. The work
men are at wotk on the injured build
ings, putting them in order, aud as
much as possible is being done to
protect the interiors from the rains
which are expecte !. Another ele-
ment which increases confidence is
the organization today of strong
Relief Committee, which will take en-
tire charge of the provision OF food,
OF clothing and quarters, as far as
necessary, for those who have suffered
by earthquake.
A considerable number Of tents have
been received from the government,
and others are expected tomorrow.
The orphan house, almshouse aud
both Catholic orphan asylurns have
been provided with sufficient shelter.
An encampment for other refugees, in
military style, is now being formed on
the South Battery. There will be an
orcampment for colored refugees on
Marion Square.
ANOTHER SHOCK.
At $50 o'clock tonight another
earthquake shock of about FIVE sec
onds' duration, the first of the day,
startled the shook up people. 1t was
not nearly 30 severe as the shock Of
last night.
THE LOSS PLACED AT $10,0000O0.
A reporter made deteur OF the city
today, and wss surprised to find SO
much wrecked property that had es-
capped the eyes of press representa-
tives. At least four out of five OF all
the buildings are damaged more or
less. City Assessor Kelly ssys that
the loss will reach $10,060,000. The
taxable property aggregates $4,000
900. AS the greater portion of the
property destroyed was inner
tied by old families who
have no surplus means, it is believed
that only portion will be rebuilt.
All day there has been a constant
rattle and roar of falling buildings and
old material Scores Of buildings ara
being torn down by the owners as
measure OF safety. Hundreds Of 9TH
ers will not come down until action
hsa ham nrdarad NV tha Citu Council