St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-11-23
HAWAIrS ACTIVE VOLCANO.
The Great Natural Wonder Near
Honolulu a Splendid Spectacle.

Lie GREAT natural WOnUer Near
Honolulu Splendid Spectacle.
Honolulu Bulletin: The latest news
and photographs from the volcano,
supplemented with reliable stories of
eye-witnesses, testify that Hawaii's
natural wonder is probably at present
the greatest volcanics phenomenon in
the entire world. Much has been writ
ten and many views and paintings have
been made of the volcano, but nothing
heretofore comes near equaling the
present increasing state of frightful
and continued activity.
Halemaumau is surrounded by de-
pressed circumference of about two and
half miles of intermittent activity. 1t
is within this radius that many late Wis
itOrs have thought they discovered new
lakes, when, in fact, they were de-
ceived by appearances. Blowholes are
constantly forming around Halemau-
maui at one time thirteen were counted
by j. j. Williams, of HonOlulu-Which
discharge an intermittent stream of
molten lava. This discharge is caught
upon the thin shell of lava formed over
the surface of hell of fire, and conse-
quently. only partially cooling, forms a
temporary tableland of lava. which is
given lake-lake pulsatiOn by the terri
bic heat beneath. But as soon as the
center of activity shifts the tableland
sinks into the crust. and the supposed
new lake melts away. But it is not here
that the real center of volcanic activity
exists, nor does the historic Halemau-
mau exhibit the same state of red-hot
displacement that is exhibited in Dana
lake, the real center of disturbance. AS
all know, this lake is situated somewhat
to the west of Halemaumau, and has for
a long time been gradually becoming
more noticeable feature of the volcano,
and while. as around Halemaumau. the
cooling floor is in constant state of
change and increasing activity. Dana
lake is at all times in furious storm of
molten ebullition beyond word descrip.
ton.
A dim outline. however, has been
given of the great natural phenomenon
by series of most wonderful pictures
. now being developed at an art gallery
in Honolulu: A series of five exposures,
made as rapidly as the plates could be
and unparalleled changes which are
Eomentarily going on. In this lake 100
fiery fountains, ranging from fifteen to
forty feet in height. are in constant play
and change. 'The lake is surrounded by
leyeo formed by the constant play of
the fire fountains, which deposit the
lava in shEeds and masses. This levee
is a wall Of black, glistening lava,
which at night, as fresh lava falls upon
it, flashes into fiery embankmenl,
| marking the entire circumference of the
lake.
The usual scene of volcanic action has
been the gradual breaking up and re-
forming of centers of activity, while
now the entire depression of two and a
half miles in circumference mentioned,
containing both Halemaumau and Dana
lake as centers of greatest activity, is
In constant and increasing state of
| frightful and uneXamp)ed commotion.
The trail across the original floor of the
crater is, however, in no danger. and
tourists are enabled to get one of the
best views possible Of the volcano
There is great danger on the floor of
the lower depression, and some of the
incidents related by Mr.. Williams. who
has furnished the data for this short
sketch. are full of thrilling adventure.
Many tourists have visited the volcano