St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1890-12-08
HAwAIrs ACTIVE VOLCANO.
The Great Natural Wonder Near
Honolulu A Splendid Spectacle.


Honolulu A Splendid Spectacle.
Honolulu Bulletin.
The latest news and photographs
from the volcano, supplemented with
reliable stories of witnesses, testify
that Hawaii's natural wonder is prob
ably at present the greatest vol
canic phenomenon in the entire world.
Much has been written and many
views and paintings have been made
OF the volcano, but nothing heretofore
comes near equaling the present in
creasing state or frightful and continued
activity.
Halemaumau is surrounded by a de-
pressed circumference OF about two
and half miles of intermittent activity.
1t is within this radius that many late
visitors have thought they discovered
new lakes, when, in fact, they were
deceived by appearances, BIowholeS
are constantly forming around Hale
maumau-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 form
ed over the surface of he'll of fire, and,
consequently. only partially cooling,
forms temporary tableland of lava.
which is given lake-like puIsation by
the terrible heat beneath. But as soon
as the center of activity shifts tine
lakeland sinks into the crust, and the
supposed new lake meltS away. But it
IS not here that the real center of vol
canIc activity exists, nor does the his
toric Halemaumau exhibit the same
state of red-hot displacement as that ex
hlblted in Dana lake. the real center
Of disturbance. As all know, this lake
is situated somewhat to the west of
Halemaumau. and has for long time
been gradually becoming a more notice
able feature OF the volcano: and while,
as around Halemaumau.th the cooling floor
is in constant state of change and in
creasing activity, Dana lake is at all
times IN a furious storm of molten
ebullition beyond word description.
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
i'll Honolulu. A series of five exposures,
made as rapidly as the plates could be
exchanged, show some of the wonder
full and unparalleled changes which are
momentariliy going on. In this lake
100 fiery fountains, ranging trem fif-
teen to forty feet in height, are in con-
slant play and change. The lake is
surrounded by levee formed by the
constant play of the fire fountains,
which deposit the lava i'll shreds and
masses. This leYee is wall of black,
glistening lava, which at night. as fresh
lava falls upon it. flashes into fiery
embankment, marking the entire cir
conference of the lake.
The usual scene of volcanic action
has been the gradual breaking up and
reforming of centerS of activity, while
now the entire depression of two and a
half miles in circumference mentioned,
containing both Halemuamau and
Dana lake as eenters of greatest actiy-
lty, is IN a constant and increasing state
of frighrfuI and unexalnpled com
motion. 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 vol
cano. 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 ad-
venture.
Many tourists have visited the vol
cano since the present state of wonder
full activity began. and from all accounts.
and by q judiciuS Interpretation of
historic analogles of former times. it Is
believed that the center Of disturbance
will be largely increased and continued
for manv months. Many tourists from
America and elsewhere will doubtless
take advantage of the present season
for seeing sight which may never
again occur IN the present decade, and
which will probably not occur until the
end OF the next.