Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-06-02
FIRST Man To
VISIT THE
CRATER
DARING NEWSPAPER MAN WAS
AHEAD OF ALL THE SCENT
lists IN SCALING HEIGHTS OF
MONT PELEE.
From The Herald's Special Correspon-
dent. Copyright, 1902, BY The New York


(From The Herald's Special Correspon-
dent. Copyright, 1902, BY The New York
Herald Coz
FORT DE FRANCE Martinique, F. w.
l., May 31.-George j. Kayanaugh. who
says he has ventured closer to the mean
descent mouth of Pelee's crater than any
one else, has relatedN his Experiences for
the benefit of The Herald.
His story makes chapter to be added
to the recent history Of Martinique that is
hardly less interesting than any of the
others that have been written Since the
first disaster of st. Pierre. Mr.. Kavanaugh
also witnessed the last eruption Of last
Monday night. He says:
cit was my intention to get as close to
the new crater of the volcano as the heat
would permit. knew that was taking a
great risk, but believed that the results
would warrant it.
Leaving Fort De France early last
Monday morning, went around to the
north end of the Island. After landing /
attempted to hire guide who would at
least start me I'm the right direction. The
fact that / was unable to find a native
who would risk his 4fe as I intended to
risk mine undoubtedly saved me from
destruction.
II slept that nightaat Fond ST. Denis
and when the terriad explosion occurred
about o'clock, VS. thankful enough
that / was not on Z mountain side. 1
saw the eruption, and without attempting
to describe it, I will Jay that it was the
most wonderful display that was ever
placed before human eyes.
Mont Pelee stormed and Numbered and
sent great sheets of fire high into the
heavens. Sulphur fumes filled the air and
made respiration difilcuit Below US the
sea was dashed into a terrible fury, Great
waves rolled in upon the island. although
- = - -
atmosphere during the day.
This display did not long continue.
Mont Pelee became less active before
morning. Deep within its bowels there
was a struggle. but the only evidence we
found at Fond St Denis had were the
low rumbles that seldom ceased.
After breakfast I went on to Morne
Rouge 1t had been a night OF terror in
that village. Expecting to share the fate
that had befallen St. Pierre. the inhabi-
tants had remained In the church praying
for protection.
From Morne Rouge continued my ef-
fort to reach the crater Of Mont Pelee.
explored the base OF the volcano and went
at least halfway 10 summit
In the valleys At 8 3l1lIays dead. en-
tered houses and found entire families
destroyed. Most Of them had died from
suffocation. Men. women and children had
fallen while fleeing from the danger which
threatened them.
Southeast of Pelee the valleys are al
most entirely filled with ashes. The east
ern slope of the volcano is absolutely
barren. 1t was not difficult to ascend,
and went up until my way was barred
by deep fissure.
''I followed this flssure, which soon
branched and deepened It led around to
the southern side Of the mountain and
opened so 1 could see into the crater,
from which, at that time, nothing was
coming except two columns of smoke,
one jet black. the other yellow. Later in
the day the sides of the crater caved in,
and Immediately great clouds Of ashes
were elected.
"As the volcano did not show signs OF
activity other than those have described,
1 was in little danger during the day,
but as I remained too late, 1t was with
difficulty that / made my way back to
Morne Rouge, where / slept Tuesday
night.
ION Wednesday I explored the valley
south of Pelee. There also. I found that
the loss of life had been great. In and
around Morne Rouge there is graf dis
tress.
''It is impossible to speak with any en-
thusiasm of the attitude of the French
authorities They are apathetic. No
steps have been taken to explore the
country which 1 covered, and little effort
has been made to feed the starving"
Professor Heilprin, of the University Of
Pennsylvania, has gone to Join George
KEENAN,, who is now in the north of the
island and who will make study of the
volcano. Professo Hill has started for
home on the Cincinnati.