The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-15
LIKE GIGANTIC FOUNTAIN
 OF FIRE WAS VESUVIUS
(contInued from First Paee)
eruption may be resumed at any moment That explosion rent the westerly cone"


 eruption may be resumed at any moment That explosion rent the westerly cone"
 Presents Majestic Spectacle.
 Mount Xesuvius presents a majestic spectacle from this point of vantage. which is far inside the outer circle of smoke that hides the volcano from Ma ples. The great monster stands out clearly under the bright sunlight. It is entirely white: like a snow-covered mountain for the ashes have changed it's former deep green color. It's contour also has changed The gigantic jagged cone no longer rises like the setting of an enormous jewelled ring. Instead, the top now forms a grace ful curve, harmonizing the gradual slope of the foothills The white surface of the mountain is still hot. leaving gulches through which lava courses. The wrecked remnant of the funicular railway lies at the bottom of one of these gulches, the twisted cable protruding from the ashes. Singularly enough an American scientist is the only one sharing Profess sor Matteucci's opportunities of observa- ton. This is Frank A. Perrett of New York
 Americans Describe the Scene.
 ''I have only been here three months" said Professor Perrett q came to Italy originally for my health. I had studied volcano disturbances and met Professor Matteucei. We became mutually interested and he honored me by inviting me to share his observations as an honorary assistant. The post of honor which was recently appointed by the University of Naples came at a most fortunate mo- ment. as 1t permitted my observation of this tremendous disturbance, which Is beyond the faintest conception of those outside the immediate terrors of Yesu- vius. The most terrible moment came Saturday night. I had gone to Boscotre case for the purpose of photographing the lava stream that was then deluging that town. I returned to the observatory about midnight, The dynamic force of the main crater increased enormously, and new mouths opened in the mountain side within ten minutesfof each other. This caused immense havoc From Naples crowds flocked to Boseotrecase to wit ness the sight. which was grander there than at any other point.
 Ground Rocked By Tremors.
 At midnight the situation in the ob- servatory was terrible. The ground rocked under it. and it was impossible to stand firmly on ones feet The roaring of the main crater was deafening the volcano opened like a fountain, it's discharge ris- ing and spreading and then falling over a great area. The electric phenomena were terrifying. The claps of thunder were incessant with a lurid play of light ming. The cause of the phenomena was friction from the ascending particles gen. erating electricity which displayed itself in incessant lightning and thunder claps.
 "No one thought of sleep, but All stood gazing at the awful scene. At o'clock in the morning the lowest station seemed to be burning and at 3:30 o'clock the whole cone broke open with tremendous earthquake shock. Red hot projectiles were precipitated toward Mt. Somma. and the observatory. That seemed to be the critical moment and the guardian carbi- neers beat a retreat We made our way to a small retreat on the mountain side. but even there the rain of stones was continuing. After this the intensity of the eruption steadily decreased"