The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-20
PUBLIC STRUCTURES ARE
ALL MASSES OF RUINS
Railroad Train Near Les Vegas is So
Violently Shaken While Running
That Engine s Almost Thrown
From Track.

odntldBo ue Cnlle, august l9.-lt -
known that at least eight lives were lost
in this city by the earthquake, but it
is believed that many persons were killed
by the falling buildings and that their
bodies will be discovered later. Several
persons became so panic-stricken during
the tremblings of the earth that they
threw themselves from the balconies OF
their homes and were killed. The fires
which followed the earthquake in this
city were promptly extinguished. but
while they lasted they added greatly to
the terror of the people.
Lines Are Frustrated
AS all telegraph and telephone lines
were more or less damaged the exact sit
uation throughout the country is not yet
known. but advices have been received
to the effect that the towns of viralge
and Casablanca were destroyed and that
San Felipe, Rancagua, Meipilla and
Llaillal were severely damaged At Con-
cepcion the shock was severe and a
number of persons were killed or in
1ured. The towns of Rengo. San Fernan-
do. Qulllotta and San Antonio, and many
villages are In ruins. All railway SER
vice In the central zone Is either inter-
rupted entirely or greatly delayed and
commerce Is practically al a atandstil
Much Damage In Santiago.
In the city of Santiago much damage
was done. Many public buildings partieu-
larly churches. were much damaged The
buildings of Congress. the municipal
buildings. the Normal school, the courts.
the Peruvian legation, the residence Of
President Rfesco.' the central market. the
prefecture of police and the National tele-
graph office were seriously damaged The
lines of the electric tramway system and
the electric light wires were short cir
cuited interruptng street car travel and
plunging the city into darkness.
There have been several shocks of minor
intensity which have added to the panic
stricken fears of the populace. Last night
many persons slept In the tramway cars.
in carriages and in the open air in the
public squares and streets. The govern
ment has taken steps to restore order.
An inspection of all houses left stand
ing has been ordered and directions have
been issued for the distribution Of relief
supplies to those in need. A troop of cav
airy has been sent to re-establsh COM
munlcatlOn WIN valparaiso.
Severe Fire In Valparaiso.
The alarming news first received by the
government from Valparaiso as to the sit
uation In that city has not been confirmed
but 1t is known that numerous buildings
in the vicinity of the port were destroyed
and that there has been severe fire in the
Almendral quarter. The Mayor of VAL
paraiso sent word that he did not know
the number of killed or injured, but be-
lieved that they were numerous. Firemen
left Santiago yesterday for Valparaiso to
aid In extinguishing the fires there. The
customs house In Valparaiso is reported
to be burning. Several travellers who have
just arrived here from Valparaiso say
that reports of the situation in that city
were exaggerated. An employe of the tel
egraph service sent word from Salto. near
Valparaiso confirming the news of the
serious fires In the Almendral quarter.
This employe also sent news that the
Spanish-Italian Bank buildings Of VAL
paraiso was destroyed by the earthquake.
Train Shaken Violently.
A traveller who came here by express
says that when that train was near Las
Vegas, about half way between VAL
paraiso and Santiago, the cars were
shaken violently and the engine nearly
left the track. A stop was made and the
terrified passengers alighted. Later they
proceeded to Llai Llai, which they found
almost In total ruins All lines of rail-
way to the north and the line to Talca are
greatly damaged.
In the city of Santiago majority Of
the victims of the disaster were residents
Of the poorer section of the city, where
manv small houses were thrown to the
~round Several deaths from nervous ex-
.ll ent and heart disease are reported.