Omaha daily bee., 1902-05-25
GREATEST NOISE EVER HEARD
Sir Robert Balls Description Of the APP
palling Eruption of Krakatoa.
NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE EARTHs ANNALS
A Demonstration of Volcanic Energy
Corresponding in Many Particu-
lars with the Recent Events
in Martinique.

The following is an extract from Sir Rob-
ert Stapwell Balls latest work, "The
Earth's Beginning" Just published by d.
Appleton & Co., New York:
There has been much difference Of opinion
as to the immediate cause of volcanic &C
ton, but there can be little doubt that the
energy which is manifested in a volcanic
eruption has been originally derived in
some way from the contraction Of the
primeval nebula. The extraordinary vehe-
mence that a volcanic eruption sometimes
attains may be specially illustrated by the
cases of the great eruption of Krakatoa. 1t
Is, indeed. believed that in the annals of
our earth there has been no record of a vol
canic eruption 80 vast as that which bears
the name of this little island In the far
eastern seas, 5000 miles from our shores.
Until the year 1883 few had ever heard of
Krakatoa. 1t was unknown to fame, as are
hundreds of other gems of glorious vege-
tation set in tropical waters. 1t rs not in
habited. but the natives from the surround
ing shores of Sumatra and Java used occa-
~sionally to draw their canoes up on its beach.
while they roamed through it's jungle in
search of wild fruits that there abounded.
Geographers in early days hardly conde-
seconded to notice Krakotoa; the name OF
the island on their maps would have been
far longer than the island itself. 1t was
known to the mariner who navigated the
straits of Sunda, for it was marked on
his charts as one of the perils OF the
intricate navigation In those waters. 1t was,
no doubt, recorded that the locality had
been once, or more than once. the seat OF
an active volcano. In fact, the island
seemed to owe its existence to some fright
full eruption Of bygone days; but for a
couple of centuries there had been no fresh
outbreak. 1t almost seemed as II Kraka-
toa might be regarded as a volcano that had
become extinct. In this respect 1t was only
like many other similar objects all over the
globe, or like the countless extinct vol
eanos all over the moon.
Flame and Fame.
In 1888 Krakatoa suddenly sprang into
notoriety. Insignificant though 1t had
hitherto seemed, the little island was soon
to compel by its tones OF thunder the whole
world to pay it instant attention. 1t was
to become the scene Of a volcanic out
break 30 appalling that it is destined TO be
remembered throughout the ages, In the
spring OF that year there were symptoms
that the volcanic powers in Krakatoa were
once more about 10 awake from the slum-
Der that had endured for MAN. generations.
Notable warnings were given. Earth
quakes were felt and deep rumbllngs pro-
ceeded from the earth, showing that some
disturbance was In preparation and that
the old volcano was again 70 burst forth
after it's long period Of rest. Al FIRST the
eruption did not threaten TO be Of any seri-
Gus type; in fact, the good people Of Ba-
tavia, so far from being terrified at what
was in progress in Krakatoa, thought the
display was such an attraction that they
chartered a steamer and went forth for a
pleasant picnic TO the island. Many OF US,
/ am sure. would have been delighted to
Join the party who were TO witness so in
teresting a spectacle. With cautious steps
the more venturesome of the excursion
party clambered up the sides Of the vol
cano, guided by the sound which were is
suing from It's summit There they beheld
a vast column Of steam pouring forth with
terrific noise from a profound opening
about thirty yards In width.
As the summer Of this dread year ad-
vanced the vigor OF KrakatOa steadily In
creased; the noise became more and more
vehement; these were presently audible
on shores ten miles distant and then
twenty miles distant. and still those noises
waxod louder aud louder. until the great
thundsrs Of the volcano nov % rapidly