The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-04-13
ITALYs HORROR
Continued from First Pags.j

had visited Somma Vesuviana. appar-
emily confirming the reports that Sarno
had practically been destroyed by a
shower of ashes but adding that the
majority of the inhabitants had sue
ceeded in escaping. There were 5000
mill operatives at Sarno which is an
Industrial center. Later. however, the
report Of Sarno's destruction was de-
MED and it was asserted that 5000
fugitives have sought shelter there.
The whole of the Vesuvius district
as far as Naples. Caserta and Castell-
ammare is one vast Saharian desert.
Reports tonight from all sides state
that the fall of ashes as it has been
for the last few days and tina the ashes
are much finer. n from this it is
argued that the prospects are much
brighter.
The blockade of local traffic con-
tinues but service On the main lines of
railway has been re-established al
though greatly d~isarranged by the in
describab1e confusion in the stations,
where foreigners. not fully understand
ing the situation. inveigh against the
delays and discomforts to which they
have been subjected.
This has been a disquieting day in
Naples. The people. alarmed by what
has happened, haveE deserted their
nearly all closed.
The crowds are in a temper for any
excess. 1t would only require a spark
to start a conf1agration.
The arrival of King Victor Emman-
uel and Queen Helena has done much
to restore calm. They nave been re-
ceived with great joy. Especially when
the sovereigns left a hospital after
a visit to the wounded there. One
poor m exclaimed: "I would con-
sent to be wounded for the sake of
being kissed by the queen.
Others cannot find words in which
to express their gratitude. Both the
royal palaces of Cappodimonti and
San Fernando have been given UP to
refugees.
Naples. April 11-Conditions to-
night in the section affected by the
eruption of Mount Vesuvius are great
~ ameliorated. The fall Of volcanic
ash has diminished and scientists ex-
press the opinion that the volcano has
spent itself. All the papers tonight
advise the public to be calm, pointing
out the improved condition of affairs
The papers also eulogize Director Mat
teucci for his courage in returning to
the ruined observatory on Mount We
suvius and sending from that place
messages of encouragement and ex-
pressions of confidence hat Vesuvius
will soon quiet down.
The theatres. cafes n places of
amusement throughout the city have
been closed and before all the SCARED
images in the streets candles are kept
burning while smaller images are be-
ing carried about in many cases being
set down in the open air and sur
rounded by candles.
Troops are engaged in clearing the
roofs of buildings Of the accommuIa-
ton Of sand and ashes, which endan-
gers the structures. The large glass
covered galleries throughout the city
which are much f~reouented have been
ordered closed. lest the weight upon
the roofs cause them to collapse.
The village of San Gennaro has
been partially buried in sand and
ashes, and several houses have fallen
in.
At that place three persons were
killed and more than twenty injured.
In the road at Tore del Greco.
three persons were found dead from
suffocation. The people who remain
at Tore A~nnunziata are in danger of
perishing from starvation all the shops
having been closed. Rations for 200
persons have been sent there. The war
ships ordered here have been doing
effective service in the removal of ref
ugees. Premier Sonnino reached mere
today by train from Rome, his journey
having been greatly impeded. He had
a conference Immediately after his ar
rival with King Victor Emmanuel, with
whom the premier discussed the meas
ures to be adopted to restore public
confidence. maintain order, aid the
refugees and repair the damage caused
by the eruption.
Two Americans girls who had heed
lessly ventured into the Vesuvius dis
trict where the abandonment of the
train by which they were travelling
caused them much discomfort and no
little peril. were brought here today
| by the steamer st. Bon.
Naples, April 1.-THE loss of prop
erty by the volcanic outbreak is esti-
mated at $40. 00O. 900 and it is an
nounced that SO. 900 persons have been
rendered homeless.
So widespread is the catastrophe
that it is estimated it will require an
organized body of 100,0 900 men n
the expenditure of many millions of
dollars to rae houses made unsafe for