Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1902-05-29
MT. PELEE.

A dispatch from Fort de France,
Martinique, says: Developments 10 the
conditions OF Mount Pelee, it Is feared,
indicate eruptions to come greater than
any which have yet occurred. The
volcano was agaln active yesterday, al
explosion which took place In the
morning driving even the American
scientists on board the cruiser Clnciu-
natl.
Prof. Robert T. Hill, United States
government geologist, concerning
whom great fears were expressed BY
those who knew that be was intending
to approach the crater Of the volcano
Just before the eruption OF Monday
night, has returned mere. He was at
Fons st. Denis when the eruption too k
place and bad trying experience. Prof.
Hill was less than FIVE miles from the
crater when the explosion took place
aud was compelled to run to save bis
life. He aud Col. Louis II. Ayme,
American couenl 81 Gusdeloupe, are
nov on the Cincinnati.
The researches OF Professor Hill
have been more productive than he
had expected, He is authority for
the assertion that Mount Peiee
s now ejsctiDg true lava or molten
rock not unlike that which covered
Pompeii. Men OF science here agree
that the conditions known to exist are
more threatening than those toet were
observed before the destruction OF St.
Pierre.
Professor Hill explained that he ter.
rife lightning Monday night was caused
by the ignition of gases thrown by Pelee
combining with the oxygen 10 the air.
This, be believes, offers the best expla-
nation OF the destruction OF ct. Pierre.
He says that the entire northern end
of the island is too dangerous at this
time to permit further investigation.
George KEENAN, and his companioo,
Mr.. Jacassi, who represent New York
magazine, have bsen found at ViVe, 10
the extreme northern end of the Island.
They are safe, but had narrow escape
at the time OF the eruption Mondsy
night.
Great quantities Of gaseous smoke
sre now elected By the volcano. 1t Is
feared that, should such gas settle over
the island, there would be CANCER of
repetition Of the disaster which deEtroy-
ed St. Pierre and that every living
thlog 10 Martinique might be obliter-
stsd. The exodus OF inhabitants con-
tnues, and if confidence Is not restored
soon the island will be depopulated.
Prof. Robert I. Hill, in an interview,
says:
"At7 O'Clock Monday night l wit
messed from IA poiot near the ruins OF
st. Pierre q frigbtful explosion from
Mount Pelee snd Doted the accompany
ing phenomena. While these eruptioDs
continue no sane man should attempt
to ascend to the crater OF the volcano.
Following the sslvcs Of decorations
from the mountain cigar tic mushroom
shaped columns of smoke and cinders
assembled into the clear, sterlit sky and
then spread 10 vstt black shee! to the
south, directly over my head.
Through this sheet, which extended 10
miles from the crater, vivid and awful bolSs
flashed with alarming frequency. They fol-
lowed distinct PATHS Of ignition, but we're diff
ferent from or isary lightning in that the
bolts were horizontal and nst perpendicular.
This Is indispntable evidence OF the explosive
oxidation OF tho gases Efier they lett the
crater. 1t Is an extremely important obser-
walton and explains in part the awful cstai-
trophe. This phenom snon Is entirely new in
volcanic history.
"In fact, nearly AL the phenomena Of these
volcanic outbreaks are new to science snd
many Of them have Lot yet been explained.
The vOloaRoi IS still intensely active md /
cannot make any predictions as to what it
will do.D