The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-24
ROME SHAKEN BY DYNAMITE.
Death, Destruction and DiSmay Caused by
a Terrific Explosion.
THE VENERATED VATICAN SHATTERED.
King ECmbert Wins Golden Opinions by
Personally Assisting In Removing the
Dead and Injured-Foreign Affairs.

RoME, April 23-At about 7 o'clock this
morning tremendous explosion shook this
city 10 its foundations. spreading terror and
dismay on all sides. The people rushed
aarighted from their homes into the streets,
houses rocked. pictures fell from tho walls,
thousands of panes of glass were broken every
where, crockery was shattered. furniture was
overturned chimneys crashed down upon the
roofs. and in some instances toppled over into
the streets below The cupola OF the houses
Of parliament Immediately after the explosion
shook violently and then collapsed with a
crash, which added still further TO the feel
ing Of horror which had spread through
Rome.
AN EARTHQUAKE FEARED.
The general opinion that prevailed was
that Rome had been visited by an earthquake
shock and that a second shock might reduce
the city to ruins Many fell upon their knees
and prayed aloud. Finally. when some
thing ike order had been restored.
became known 1t was discovered that the
immense powder magazine at Pozzo
Pantaleo four kilometers from here, contain
ing $50 tons of powder. exploded. and that 1t
had caused enormous damage TO the neigh
boring fort. which was hled with soldiers:
The reports Of the affair which have reached
here add that happily the officer in command
of the fort heard a rumbling sound previous
TO the final explosion and hastily ordering the
soldiers 10 leave the fort he succeeded III
averting q terrible disaster.
FIVE PERSONS KILLED.
As it was, five persons who were in the
vicinity of the scene Of the explosion were
killed outright, and large number of Others
were more or less injured.
All the houses within radius Of kllometer
Of the scene Of the explosion are seriously
damaged. Forty are in ruins. Two officers
were dangerously wounded and fully 40
civilians have been taken to the different
hospitals suffering from wounds or bruises
caused by the explosion.
As this dispatch is sent King Humbert and
his military stan, accompanied by the Itallan
premier, the Marquis di Kudlni, and by all the
members Of the Italian Cabinet. have lett TINS
city for the scene of the disaster
Around the ruins of the powder magazine
and OF the fort Gordon OF troops has been
drawn in order u keep back the crowds OF
people who, now that the cause Of the explo-
sion is known have hocked 10 Pozzo Panta-
leo eager 10 see the pOwder-blacken ruins.
The troops, however have instructions not
20 allow any civilians to pass through the
Gordon until the official Investigation now
being made into the origin of the explosion
has been completed.
KING HUMBERT on THE SCENE.
King Humbert, who was heartily cheered
whenever his presence became known 70 the
people and soldiery, used his own carriage 10
convey wounded people 70 the hospital, fact
which won him redOubled applause when it
became generally known. The races. which
included the Italian derby. which were TO
have been run this afternoon, have been
POSTPONED on account Of the explosion.
The shock which caused Rome 10 tremble
did not spare the Vatican. That venerated
pile shook with the rest of the Roman build
ings when the force Of the explosion was felt,
and several Of the famous historical stained
glass windows Of the old buildings were shat
tered. The windows in the ancient Raphael
chambers and the stained glass in the royal
staircase. presented TO Pope Plus by the King
of Bavaria. were also seriously injured.
Naturally the full amount Of the damage
done is not known al present, and possibly,
may never be known. but all accounts agree
that the loss IS very severe. the interiors of
many of the old palaces and churches having
suffered 10 greater or less extent. The exact
number Of killed and wounded IS also un-
known at present.
THE AUTHoRITIEs NOT SATISFIED.
LONDON. April 23-A Rome dispatch says
that the authorities are not satisfied that the
terrible explosion az PoZZO Pantallo was en-
tirely accidental a rigid investigation Is to
be held. Notwithstanding the growing un-
popularity of his premier King Humbert IN
this and other instances is winning golden
opinions by his personal and active interest
in relieving the sufferers from great public
calamities.
To-day he gave personal attention 10 the
sufferers from the explosion. and did not re-
tire from the scene until assured that meas
ures were wcll in hand for their relief. The
Pope is said 10 be deeply stirred over the
damage 10 the Vatican and is said 70 be pre-
pairing protest against the alleged negli-
gence Of the Italian Government in storing
such vast quantity of powder contiguous to
Rome.