The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-27
About Twelve Square Miles of the
Island Devastated and 1000 Per-
sons Killed by First Eruption.
PROF. HOvEY's OBSERVATIONS
HAVOC AT ST. PIERRE LIKENED TO
POMPEIPS DESTRUCTION.
All the People Probably Asphyxiated
by SuIphureted HydrOgen-Mont
Pelee's New Crater.

WASHINGTON, May 26-Adjutant Cen
eral Corbin has received the following ca
blegrame from Capt. Hugh ]. Gallagher,
commissary department, dated at ST. Vim
cent. May "a: THE area of devastation at
st. Vincent is about twelve square miles
in the northern extremity. The population
of this area was eight thousand, of which
16OC lost their lives. The remainder escaped
by fight to KIngstown and other places.
There was no such overwhelming catas-
trophe as at st. Pierre yet many people
must be sustained by the public because
many escaped. Outside of the area dew
astated no great damage was done, but the
people are very apprehensive. This cond-
ton will not abate until the volcano, which
is still active. subsidies. A second erup-
ton occurred on the 18th, but no addi-
tional damage was done. Supplies OF all
kinds from the Dixie have been gratefully
received ard will, with what was on hand,
provide for the present population for
three months. Lumber for rebuilding is
asked Nothing is known of any disturb
ance outside of ST. Vincent and Mar
Unique. Now that the emergency has been
met 1 would advise sending supplies grad
ually and only after inquiry as to actual
needs, as a great quantity sent at once
might prove more embarrassing than bene-
fetal. The stores on the Dixie were well
selected"
Secretary Moody also received the follow
ing csblegram from Captain Berry, of the
Dixie. from st. Lucia, May 26: The Dixie
is discharging the remainder of the stores
at Einsstown. where most is needed. Pro-
visions are now on hand for several
months Lumber for houses is needed.
The volcano is active and there has been
no additional damage. Care of refugees
and injured approximately S,0O0 is we'll
in hand by the local authorities
A telegram also was received announcing
the departure of the Potomac from St
Lucia to-day. bound for San Juan. Porto
Rico.
The Navy Department has added one
more and perhaps the last to the good
offices which it has been called on to per-
form in behalf of the West Indian volcanic
sufferers by undertaking to transport 10 the
quantity of building lumber which the
Canadian government has donated. The
lumber is coming by rail from Canada
through 10 Norfolk, the treasury officials
authorizing its passage through the United
States in bond and without payment OF
duty At Norfolk the lumber will be loaded
on the collier Leonidas and be transported
directly to st. Vincent
Having relieved all present necessities OF
the inhabitants Of Martinique and St Vim
cent, the Navy Department has decided TO
suspend further activity in that direction
and merely Ito stand by ready to respond
TO any call for assistance. The little Poto-
mac, which, under the able direction of
Lieutenant Mccormick, has performed such
splendid service in the relief work will not
be sent back again unless new and worse
conditions develop. The Dixie probably will
finish unloading at st. Vincent tomorrow
and she, too, will be withdrawn from
further service in the West Indies, return
ing TO New York.