The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-05-12


report that the Soufriere volcano was still
in active eruption Four. small boats
loaded with refugees from Grand Riviere,
Martinique, have arrived at Dominica
in pitiable condition. They report that
six other boats left. that village at the
same time. 1t is not known what became
of them. ' .--'~2>~S 90 -.s@ IS @. <sz7t'
EXPLORATION OF ST. PIERRE
A Landing Has Been Made and the
Worst Is Known.
Fort de France, Martinique May ia
landing has at last been made at St.
Pierre and the work of exploring the ruins
of the annihilated city has begun.
1t is estimated that there are 10000
dead in the city.
Those who have come back report that
the streets and all the neighborhood are
now encountered with heaps upon heaps
of bodies in all directions. All the dead
thus far seen were stark naked, their
clothing apparently. having been burned
from their bodies like SO much tinder,.
while they themselves were roasted to
death. In the vast majority of instances
fires seem to have been the sole cause Of
death.
In many Instances the faces of the vic
tins are quite calm, as though they were
stricken down instantly where they stood
without a moments warning, or with
hardly time to appreciate for an instant
the deadly peril they were in. Others
have stamped on their faces an expression
of indescribable terror. --.
The latest information received here is
that the entire. quarters of the fort and
OF Carbct are completely leveled to the
ground, forming nothing but heap upon
heap of ruins, covered .thickly over with
ashes, cinders and masses of mud and
lava commingled. What horrible revela-
lions of the havoc brought to human life
which these grim mounds are yet to reveal
can hardly be imagined. In these two
quarters of the city not a trace of the
streets that existed can be seen. They
are buried completely out of sight, as
were those of Pompeii. .,~
Along the water front there are few
walls standing and the ruins of the Gus
toms house were found. Curiously enough,
the face and hands of the clock on the
hospital were not destroyed, and they fur
nlsh an important record in the history
OF this terrible catastrophe.5 The hands
of the clock had stopped at precisely ten
minutes to 8, showing that it was at that
moment that the city was overwhelmed.
The vaults of the Bank of Martinique
had been opened and all the securities.
notes and cash We're, found intact They
were all secured and together with other
treasure have. been bPeSght. here to For.
de France. Steamers 4. AIDED with half
NhoLSN PSoplS lIOll ulSLtECCS IN the neigh
oorhood OF st. Pierre are Constantly arriv-
ing here. The steamers are also going
back as rapidly as possible to the scene
or the disaster, carrying with them provj-
s1ons and clothing. ' ~'i
Among the families of St. Pierre which
have entirely disappeared are those Of the
governor of Martinique, including Nine.
Moutet, his wife; Lieutenant Colonel Ger.
bault and his wife "A 80 - -
1t is said that the volcano, which was
previously l,95o meters high, is now only
400. The wealth Of the city OF ST. Pierre
atone was estimated at from 500, oOC 900
to 6oo.ooo:ooo francs. = - -,
All the hills surrounding LIE Carbet and
LIE Precheur (near st. Pierce are covered
with refugees to- the number Of about
1900, who are being taken away, gradu-
ally. In the meantime provisions are
being conveyed to them.
The houses at St. Pierre seem to have
disappeared as though they had been
sWallowed up in a. great pit. Immense
iron columns were found twisted and bent
over in the direction of the sea,