The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-05-23
TWO ASCEND MONT PELEE Adventures of Clerc and
 Chancelc. LATTER IS NEARLY KILLED The Island of Martinique May Be Abandoned. Governor L'Huene Ordered to Make Preliminary Preparations to Esn- <
 bark the Population of Fort de France, if Necessary.

Fort de France May 22.-The corre- spondent of the Associated Press has had an interview with M. Clerc. a member of the Legislature of Martinique. who re- gently explored the vicinity of Mont Pe- lee. He said:
 T started Friday last for Mont Pelee by the road leading along the coast from Basse Pointe. and, accompanied by M. Telloame Chancele. chief engineer of the metres without difficulty and was able to ascertain that the present crater is about 300 metres in diameter. On the east 1t is overlooked by the Morne Ia croix. the eliminating point of the island. having an altitude of 1850 metres. which is completely crumbled and mined at it's base, as a result Of the volcanic action. and might easily collapse. The Morne petit Bon Homme has an incandescent aspect.
 'In order to make known our presence at the point where we stood. waved a piece of white cloth. attached to stick. in the air. which was replied to by cor responding signal from an inhabitant of Morne Rouge. who signaiied to me in this manner in order to show that he saw us.
 We felt number of electric commo- tions and our shoes were damaged by the heat.
 "Thc pond which was situated near Morne la Croix is completely dried tip. The iron cross which stood at the foot of the mountain has been melted.
 Crater's Rims Changed.
 The rims of the crater have very much changed in appearance The heat where we stood was intense and the whole ass pect of the mountain was terrifying. Stones fell around us and we picked up large pieces of sulphur. which. however, we were unable to retain. The whole spot was charged with electricity. which be- came so vioien. that we were obliged tc retreat.
 .'our descent from the mountain was more difficult than our ascent. A blindins rain of ashes fell upon us. and the en- gineer was nearly killed by large stone which fell near him. We succeeded in reaching Bassc Point on our return after having been four hours on the mountain under the most dangerous circumstances. '' The recent rain of ashes and volcanic rocks weighing as much as seventy-five grammes, which have fallen here, caused go much consternation among the inhabi-
 
 have not left the city are anxious to do so and large number are emigrating to the island of Guadeloupe where it is now estimated 1900 people from Martinique have already sought shelter.
 During her last exploring trip about the island, the French cruiser Suchet which did not stop at St. Pierre noticed that all the formerly cultivated land between Grande Revere and Marigot had been completely destroyed. The inhabitants of those two towns have suffered and are still suffering great deal, but they have not yet determined to abandon thCse localities and efforts arc being made to supply them with provisions. The Suchet also reports that as she approach ed the point of the island where the land was in a better state of preservation, especially between Macouba and LOT raine. a shower of stones and sulphur caused those of the population of Morne Rouge who had remained there to hasti- ly evacuate that place.
 For a time some apprehension was felt regarding the safety of the detachment of French troops quartered at LaCarbet. but there has been no loss of life among them. according to the most recent ie- ports.
 The French gunboat Joffroy took on board about 150 of the inhabitants of the neighborhood Of LeCarbet. It is esti. mated that about 5000 persons will by night time today. have left Fort de France for the extreme southern part of tho island.