The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1891-01-15
AN ACTIVE VOLCANO.
The Eruption Now in Progress In the
Sandwich Islands.

The latest news and photographs
from the volcano, supplemented with
reliable stories of eye witnesses, testify
that Hawaiis natural wonder is proba-
bly, at present the greatest volcanic
phenomenon in the entire world, SAYS
the Honolulu Bulletin. Much has been
written and many views and paintings
have been made of the volcano, but
nothing heretofore comes near equal
ing the present Increasing state OF
frightful aud continued activity.
Halemaumau is surrounded by de-
pressed circumference of about two
and half miles of intermittent activi-
ty. 1t is within this radius that many
late visitors have thought they dis
covered new lakes when in fact they
were deceived by appearances. Blow
holes are constantly forming around
Halemaumau-at one time thirteen
were counted by j. J. Williams of
Honolulu-which discharge an inter-
mittent stream of molten lava. This
discharge is caught upon the thin shell
of lava formed over the surface of
hell of fire, and consequently only par
tally cooling, forms a temporary table,
laud of lava, which is given a lake-like
pulsation by the terrible heat beneath.
But as soon rs the center of actiyity
shifts the tablc-land sinks into the
crust, and the supposed new lake
melts away. But it is not here that
the real center of volcanic activity ex-
lists. nor does the historic Halemaumau
exhibit the same state of red-hot dis
placement that is exhibited in Dana
lake, the real center Of disturbance.
As all know, this lake is situated some
what to the west of Halemaumau, and
has for long time been gradually be-
coming more noticeable feature of
the volcano. and while. rs around Hale
maumau, the cooling floor is in a con-
stant state of change and increasing
activity, Dana lake is ut all times in
furious storm of molten cbullition be-
yond word description.
A dim outline, however. has been
given of this great natural phenomenon
bv series of most wonderful pictures
now being developed at an art gallery
in Honolulu. A series of five expos
ures made rs rapidly as the plates
could be exchanged, show some of the
wonderful and unparalleled changes
which are momentarily going on. In
this lake 100 fiery mountains, ranging
from fifteen to forty feet in height, are
in constant play and change. The lake
is surrounded by IL levee formed by the
constant play of the fire fountains,
which deposit the lava in shreds and
masses. This levee is wall of black,
glistening lava, which, at night, as
fresh lava falls upon it, flashes into
| fiery emba nkment, marking the entire
circumference 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 Halemaumau and
ty, is in constant and increasing
state of frightful and uneXampied 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 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 vol
cano since the present state of wonder
full activity began, and from all ac-
counts and by a judicious interpreta-
ton of historic analoges of former
times it is believed that the center of
disturbance will be largely increased
and continued for many months.
Many tourists from America aud else
where will doubtless take advantage
of the present season for seeing sight
which may never again occur in the
present decade. and which will prob
ably not occur until the end of the
next.