Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-05-12
TO-DAY'S TELEGRAPHIC NEWS
Desolation and Death.

Paris, May 12.-News OF the destruc.
ton OF st. Pierre, Martinique, and the
partial destruction OF other towns on
the northern portion Of the island COD
tinues to come 10 piecemesl. Every dis
patch received Only adds to the horror
OF the situation. A disps'ch from the
government OF Martinique, sent from
st. Lucia, states that OF population
OF &c, 600 souls there are very few sur
vivors. These survivors say st. Pierre
was overwhelmed and disappeared 10
an hour. st. Pierre is only y mass oil
ruins aud corpses. The minister o.
colonies Is taking measures to assure
provisions for Martinique.
The ministry of colonies has recelv-
ed dispatch to toe effect that the en-
tire north end OF the island of Martin
ique has been destroyed with the popu
latioD, Including 3 large number OF vii
lagos heretofore not reported.
Dispatches from NJ. L'Heurre, sec
rotary OF Martinique, says that nothiBl
is left OF the villages on the north cossl
and the interior OF that part Of the
island. The dispatch also stated tina. 8
fresh flow of lava had occurred from
the northern crater, covering the land
! The list OF dead was added to by this
later eruption.
Marseilles, May ia dispatch re-
ceived from the ministry OF Colonies
states that 900 Inhabitants OF Morne
Rouge, seven kilometres from st
Pierre. have been saved.
Brest, May 12.-The cruiser D'Asssa
today started for the relief OF st. Pierre
London, May 12.-Advices received
by Secretary Chamberlain this morning
indicate that the death list In the island
of st. Vincent will reach 800. A tele'
gram has been received saying that st.
kits is safe.
Paris, May 12.-Patrle today pub
lishes details OF the situation at St
Pierre, Martinique. The dispatch is dat
cd Fort De France, May II, and reads:
"No trace Is left of the houses or streets
save here and there blaokened wall
The government palace clock was lefl
intact. 1t stopped at 1850 O'Clock
Tho vaults OF the bank of Martinique
were not Injured. The corpses OF those
who lost their lives 10 the awful wave
of fire have been found in agonlzed az
titudes. They are for the most part
naked, and many OF them had their
faces burned of. Oas family OF nine
was found with their arms interviewed.
The beach, for the length OF q
mile from st. Pierre, is streWn With
the debris OF the ships destroy
ed. All the trees on the island
are bent seaward. The cruiser SucheI
and the French cable ship Pouyer
Quertier have saved 1000 persons from
he town of LIE Percheur. 1t is certaio
that nobody 10 St. Pierre survived.
Commander Lsbrls OF the Suchet says
the geography OF the island is visibly
modifying. Creyasses are opening, and
new bills and valleys are being sudden
ly formed.
Fort de France, Martinique, May II
Practically every available vessel here
mas been pressed into service for relief
duty 1t St. Pierre and its envlrons.
Food and other supplies are being hur-
ried to the scene for the relief OF tne
refugees who escaped from the teIrole
stream of lava. Outside aid is anxious
ly awaited as supplies here will last
but few days. The relief parties are
working under tremendous difficulties.
A terrible door arises from the thous.
ands of bodies and as de from supplying
the immediate wanis OF the survivors
all work lie centred in disposing OF the
bodies, Firewood, qulcklime, and
petroleum are used for this purpose.
The water supply at st. Pierre is faint
cd or has disappeared and this neces.
siiy has to be transported to the scene.
The rescuers found the refugees in dire
distress. 1t Is estimated that a thous.
aud persons who escaped the deadly
lava have died from injuries or lack OF
food, water and care. st. Pierre is
practically wiped out. Streets cannot
be- traced and buildings everywhere are
10 ruins, covered with lava and ashes.
The vaults OF the Bank OF Martinique
are intact. They contain $500, 0O0.
Lava continues to run down Mount
Pelee but 10 lessenlng streams. Rsfu.
gees are transported TO Fort de France
as rapidly as the present facilities will
permit.
As far as known here not q single
survivor from ST. Pierre has yet been
found. From what Can be gathered IL
appears that the city and every one 10
Is we're wiped out in thirty seconds.
Il is believed that there was suddenly
shot down from the volcano great
sheet Of fame and that t9is swept ST.
Pierre from end to end.
London, May II. - Administrator
Bell Of Dominica today wires Colonial
Secretary Chamberlain as follows: "The
Martinique catastrophe appears even
more terrible than at first reported.
Refugees arriving this morniog from the
north end OF that island state iha
new craters are opening in many direc'
tlons. The rivers are overho owing their
banks and large areas on the north end
of the island are submerged. O,her
Districts are crowded with survivors.
Almost total darkness continues. l
don't believe Guadaloupe can adequate
~ relieve the stupendous distress.
Kiog Edward has sent 81 900 pounds
10 President Loubet for the relief OF the
Martinique sufferers.
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