The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1894-12-19

VICTORIA, B. c., Dec. 1S.-The Aus
trallan steamer Warrimoo, which has ar
rived, brings startling news that ma
Jority Of the islands Of the New Hebrides
group are passing through a baptism Of
FIRE, earthquakes and volcanic disturb
ances, threatening the very existence of
several of the largest and best Islands, in
GLIDING Ambrym, celebrated for the ex-
cellence of its coffee. On the latter an
entire village Of natives was recently car
ried into the sea, the loss of life being esti-
mated at sixty to seventy-five men, wom-
en- and children, while in others of the
group fatalities are also reported. A
layer Of ashes from two to six inches
deep covers the once fertile fields.
At Epl, on Nov 2, there was a severe
earthquake in the early morning which
opened an entire volcanic crater on the
west side Of Ambrym, and on the next
day the whole island trembled. Since then
it has opened on five or six different
places. Even the island Of Epi, which was
much less affected, had to the It'll of No
vember left sixty-three distinct shocks and
for weeks had been covered by clouds Of
ashes and smoke. Traders and planters
living on Ambrym island have fed pre-
cipitately 10 Port Sandwich, AIalicollo, the
nearest port. in many cases abandoning
all their possessions. On the 18th Of No
vember an earthquake shock rocked
Ambrym from east TO west, causing the
ground on which stood a small native
village TO slump with the houses of the
inhabitants into the sea. 1t is impOssi-
BILE TO accurately state the extent of the
fatalities, but the lowest estimate Of the
1.-cs Of Is
Commander-in-Chlef Admiral Bowden
Smith has given to the press the following
report made 10 him by the commander
of the Dart:
while we were lying at Dupont, Am
brym island" he writes, "an eruption on
that island took pace. 1t presently be-
came evident that ava stream, marked
by a dense column OF smoke, was making
it's way through the hills TO the sea. The
ship was stopped some 800 yards off shore,
where it was seen the stream would
emerge. and soon afterward tongues Of
flames were seen among the trees. and
presently the head Of the stream appeared,
a red-hOt mass, with Jumps Of Stag tossing
about Oh its surface.
When it reached the water a most
magnificent sight ensued. A dense pillar
OF steam rose rapidly an a perpendicular
direction to a hight Of about 4,500 feet. y
few seconds later violent submarine ex-
p,OsiOns Of steam took place, the water
rising in huge bubbles some 100 feet high
and then bursting in az directions in
radiating tongues Of water mixed with
black masses, presumably Of ava. A con-
siderable swell was sent out afterwarI
and as the area Of explosions appeared to
be extending rapidly the ship was moved
TO a safer distance
Canoes full Of natives were leaving the
island in al directions. some Of which
were taken in tow at DippOint. where they
Were clear of immediate danger The
ship then proceeded around TO the south
side Of the Island, when il was seen the
cd crater Of Mt. M7ryun in the center of
the island was In violent eruption and that
dense masses Of smoke were rising over
all the western island.
ION returning, while rounding Dippoint
a sudden outburst accompanied by contin-
uous explosions tOk place. About two
miles to the southwark of Mission station
the cliffs were seen to be falling inland
and flames appeared over the gap behind
the Mission. The natives were assembled
In terrified groups on the beach, and I
accordingly sent boats in offering to take
of all that wished. The group was in a
state Of terror and the noise Of the erup-
ton was indescribable. Dust and debris
from the burning brush fell continuously
Throughout the next day earthquake
shocks were severe.
The next morning we proceeded to the
northeast point Of the island as far as
darkness, objects being scarcely visible
over a quarter OF a mile. We communi-
Gated with the shore and found the ma
tives treasured. as the actual fires in the
vicinity had ceased. At p. m. we pro-
ceeded to Port Sandwich, not clearing the
shower OF dust till more than half way
across. Several shocks were experienced
on the way, and in all thirty-One shocks
were felt IN seven hours on board the
ship, one at 2:30 a. m. being particularly
severe.
"a great portion Of the cliff at Dippoint
had fallen into the sea, and all along the
shore 10 the eastward clouds OF dust are
rising and landslides have occurred. Dust
was now falling heavier than ever, but Of
lighter color and finer description. Every
thing on shore was covered with deposit
the landscape being one of uniform, dull
slate color and the ship a gray mass We
landed and proceeded over the hill for
about two miles until the stream Of lava
was reached. Although cooled down 1t
has still been proceeding at some four or
five feet an hour in the direction Of Ban
lang on the south coast. Owing however.
10 the thickness Of the atmosphere Il was
impossible TO get any news OF what was
happening. We then returned to Port
Sandwich
RFATEN RY PTpGIApc