Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-08
A COLOSSAL BRAzIER
Mount Vesuvius in Spectacular
Activity.
VILLAGERS ARE ALARMED
Authorities Striving to Pacify Ex-
cited Populace.
WHO BEMoAN THEIR LOSSES
Torrents Of Liquid Fire Course Down
the Observation-Disclosures Shocks
Add to the Terror.

NAPLES, April mount NeSuViuS is a
colossal brazier, and the town of Boscatre-
case, on its southern deciivity. has been
transformed into a gray island of ruin by
the ashes from the crater of the volcano.
Torrents Of liquid fire. resembling in the
distance serpents with glittering yellow
and black scales are coursng in all di-
rections, amid rumblings, detonations and
earth tremblings. while a pail of sulphur
Gus smoke that hovers over all makes
breathing difficult.
The streams of lava are resistless They
snap like pipe stems the trunks of chest
nut. trees hundreds of years old. and blight
with their torrid breath the blooms on the
peach trees before the trees themselves
have been reached. The molten streams do
not spare the homes of the peasants, and
when these have been razed they dash into
the wells as though seeking to sake their
thirst, and. having filled them, continue
their course down the mountain side.
Everywhere In the vicinity of the volcano
ptiful scenes are witnessed-women tear
ing their hair in their grief and old men
crying aloud at the loss of their beloved
homesteads while in the distance in strik-
iterranean. the violet-hued mountains OF
the Sorrento peninsula and the Island of
Capri in the tranquil sea
Efforts to Pacify Peasants.
Artillery carts have been sent to the as
sistance Of the fleeing peasants, and the
Duke of Aosta, Cardinal Joseph Frisco and
all the authorities. despite the rain, to-
day went to the portions Of the mountain
most threatened in order to succor or COM
fort the people. Previously Cardinal Frisco
ordered special prayers to be said for those
in darger. Bosco Beale, the village which
is most in danger of destruction, is the
thn1.l Z "a urdit AZ md ha Of
most of his relatives.
These personages talked with the peasants
In endeavors TO pacify them, and the Duke
of Aosta was especially active. He explained
the means he thought best to save lives
and property and had the engineers and
soldiers erect parapets and dig trenches in
order to change the course of the lava
streams, and at times gave an example
of his energy by working himself. Car
dnal Frisco distributed necessaries of life
to the peasants, and even went SO far as
to give away the rings he wore on his fin
gers Repeatedly he exclaimed to the
you may be sure God will not desert you"
The statue of st. Ann. which was taken
to the mountainside TO confront the lava,
Is frequently moved backward as the tide
advances.
Apprehension Over Earthquakes
Considerable apprehension is felt because
of the earthquake shocks which are grow
ing stronger and are felt even at Castel-
lammare. fifteen miles southeast of this
city. Each shock is accompanied by deep
and prolonged detonations.
Ottajano at the northeast foot of the
mountain. is threatened by stream of
lava, and the people are beginning to de-
sert the. town, the populaoe OF Tore An
unzata, at the south foot. having requested
that night trains be run to the town. This
request has been granted. and trains are
now ready to proceed thither In case of
need.
Signor Natteucci director Of the observa-
tory on Fesuvius, still continues to occupy
a most dangerous position. With him is an
American engineer named Perret.
New cfaters have opened at different
points on the mountain, but 1t is impossible
TO ascertain their number or where they
are situated
King to Visit the Afflicted.
ROME, April lit Is asserted that King
Victor Emmanuel. who was born at Ma
pies. spent his youth there, and as crown
prince OF Italy bore the title of Prince of
Naples, has expressed his Intention OF vis-
iting the afflicted districts on Mount Vesu-
yius.
According to other rumors which 1t has
been impossible to verify. Pope Plus Is also
desirous of taking this time as an oppor-
tunity to break his voluntary Imprisonment
at the Vatican and go among the suffer
eVS