The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-05-13
THE ETERNAL CITY SHOOK.
Explosion Of a Large Powder
Magazine Near Rome.
Seven Men Killed and Over a
Hundred Wounded.

At about o'clock few mornings ago q
tremendous explosion shook the city Of
Rome, Italy, to its foundations, spreading
terror and dismay. The people rushed af-
frighted from their homes into the streets;
houses rocked, pictures fell from the walls
thousands Of panes of glass where broken
everywhere, crockery was shattered, furnt-
ture was overturned, chimneys crashed
down upon the roofs, and, in some instances,
toppled over into the street below.
The cupola Of the Houses Of Parliament
Immediately after the explosion shook v1o-
lently and then collapsed with q crash,
which added still further to the feeling Of
horror which had spread through Rome.
People Of all ages and conditions were rush
ing, pale with fear, about the streets, trying
to seek consolation from others, who were as
thoroughly terrified as themselves.
In the houses. doors, windows and cup
boards were burst open, and the tables, chairs
and other pieces Of furniture were thrown
crashing to the floor. Rents and cracks ap-
peared in the walls, the plaster fell from the
ceilings and general desolation prevailed.
In many instances people were thrown from
their beds by the shock, and cries Of terror
filed the air as thousands Of families rushed
out into the streets. Many Of them left
their homes in their night clothes.
The opinion prevailed that Rome had been
visited By an earthquake shock and that q
second shock might reduce the city to ruins.
Many fell upon their knees and prayed aloud.
Finally the real cause OF the explosion be-
came known. It was discovered that the i'm
menss powder magazine at Pezzo Pantaleo,
and that 1t had caused enormous damage to
the neighboring fort, which was filed with
soldiers. Happily, the officer in command Of
the fort heard rumbling sound previous to
the explosion, and hastily ordering the
soldiers to leave the fort, he succeeded In
averting terrible disaster. As It was seven
peasants who were In the vicinity Of tho
scene of the explosion were killed outright
and number of others were more OF less
injured.
King Humbert and his military staff, ac-
oompanied by the Italian Premier, thu
Marquis di Rudini and by all the members
Of the Italian Cabinet, left the city immeii-
stely for the scene of the disaster.
/ Around the ruins Of the powder magazine
and of the fort Gordon Of troops was drawn
All the houses within q radius Of kilo-
meter Of the scene Of the explosion are seri.
ously damaged. Two officers were danger
ously wounded and fully 100 civilians have
been taken to the different hospitals, suffer
ing from wounds or bruises caused by the
explosion.
: King Humbert, who was heartily cheered
whenever his presence became known to the
populace and scldiery, used his own carriage
10 convey wounded people to the hospital, q
fact which won him redoubled applause.
The shock which caused Rome to tremble
did not spare the Vatican. The 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 Raphaa
chambers and the stained glass in the royal
staircase, presented to Pope Plus TX. by thl
King OF Bavaria, were also seriously injured
All accounts agree that tho loss is very
severe, the interiors Of many Of the old pal
aces and churches having suffered to 9
greater or lesser extent.
Forty small houses have been redcced II
heaps Of ruins by the shock following the ex
plosion. It has been ascertained that tn
magazine at Pezzo Pantaleo contained 25
tons OF powder.