Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1902-05-22

New York Herald Special.
Fort dc France, Martinique, May 10.
Alarm continues to fill tho island.
Mount Pelee threatens further de-
struction every day, and there are
many here who believe that an eX-
ploson even more serious than the one
of May Sth will mark the elimination
of the mountains activity. Ashes were
spoutod in great clouds from the crater
all Of yesterday, Explosions began in
the early morning, when black
column rose above Pelee, accompanied
by internal rumblings and tremor of
tho earth that sent tho sea back from
the land in powerful waves.
This column was first caught by n
current Of air that carried it north
ward. Then an upper air current swept
it back in the opposite direction. Thus
it made an immense and we'll formed
letter ~, " the base Of which rested
in cup of tiame on the crest of the
volcano from which it sprang.
The wind veerei and mantel of
darkness was swept westward across
the island, enveloping Fort de France,
upon which volcanic dust fell to a
depth Of more than an inch and a half.
So heavy was the dust which filled the
air that respiration became labor and
a fear Of sutfpcation came upon the in
habitants. Great alarm continued more
than four hours, and it was not until
tho cloud of ashes blew out to sea in
the early evening that confidence was
restored.
All night tho summit of Pelee had
the appearance of u gigantic blast fur
mace at which great forces were work
ing. Flames shot skyward in sheets
that at times lighted up the entire
island. For fow minutes the fires
would drop lack into the mouth of the
crater, only to reissue with redouhled
force.
The flames continue to stream from
the crater today. The atmosphere is
full Of dust, and the heat is terrific.
Life on the island Is all but unbear-
able. The suffering of the refugees,
who continue to crowd into Fort de
France, is extreme.
Rain fell hero today for the first
time in fortnight. This long drouth
and the fact that the grass has been
buried under layer of ashes has made
it particularly difficult to obtain fodder
for horses and cattle, which are dying
in unprecedented numbers.
Notwithstanding the rain, the tom
perature at night registers 100 degrees
Fahrenheit.
Despite the precautions taken by the
authorities, looting continues in the
north of tho island, though it has
practically been stopped in ST. Pierre.
| In the country many houses have been
robbed and burned. Soldiers have been
sent out with instructions to take
severe measures if necessary to put a
stop to the disorder.
In Fort de France supplies are being
dealt out to the refugees by the
authorities. A committee has been
formed to investigate all applications
for relief 50 that the unworthy shall
not impose upon the generous Diff
GUILTY is had in burning the bodies at
st. Pierre. A committee of physicians
has examined the ruins and declared
that in some parts it would be i'm.
possible to let the work of excavation
continue.
Access to st. Pierre is difficult. The
ruins are surrounded by thick clouds
of cinders and vapor, and at times il
is impossible TO sec more than six feet
ahead.
Cinders are also falling at Fort dc
France, and the population at frs
became alarmed, but is now more quiet
Toward o'clock in the evening here
breathing becomes difficult and horse:
show signs Of disquietude