The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-04-20
From the Boston Globe.

T iolll lle bOsLOn
 N HE world has been appalled, at AN the havoc wrought by Vesuvius
 during the past week, but now there, is a strong feeling, based neces- to be prolonged subsistence of the vol eanic eruptions.
 The action of this king of volcanoes has been described very vividly to an Associated Press representative by. Prof R. V. Matteucci. the director of the royal observatory at Mt. Vesuvus. This inter- view has informed many of the fact that this scientific enthusiast has been located at this observatory on the mountain top for years, having succeeded Professor Semmola, who in turn took the place of Professor Palmieri, who followed Profess sor Melloni
 It was upon the suggestion of Professor Mellon that the observatory was located originally. in 1S41, on ridge 1895 feet above the level of the sea and not far from the crater. This observatory was closed for time. but has remained open since 1860, under the control of the Ma pies university.
 Considering the fascination these obser- vations have for Professor Matteucci it is obvious why he has remained at his post. cut off for several days from all communication with tho world with the hot ashes wrecking his dwelling and emerging long enough to send an encour- aging message to the residents of Naples that the eruptions were subsiding and thereby stopping the panic in that city and elsewhere. It is very appropriate that King Emmanuel should have decorated this brave scientist with the rank of a commander of the order of the crown.
 Students may learn much about vol canoes, yet their knowledge Is very in complete, as such authority as Professor Matteucci declares that 'very little is known of the volcanic forces, so one can never surely predict what is going to happen"
 There has not been such a great erpp- ton as the present one since 1872 This time solid blocks of stone rose to height of 25O0 feet from the crater, while ashes and sand were thrown much higher.
 Then there have been electrical phe- nomena. the like of which have never been seen by the present generation, "the darkness being broken by vivid flashes of lightning giving the sky blood-like color. with short heavy peais of thunder interspersed." '"rhese moments were ter rible very terrible says Professor Mat teucci. and adds: "Yes. it was a veritable he'll"
 What picture for an artist-with this scientist as the sole spectator of the tempestuous scene upon that mountain of fire,
 There Is rejoicing in Naples and the surrounding towns over the improved condition of things. but there will not be worldwide satisfaction until it is subsided into it's normal condition. 'Un- til the crater definitely assumes it's new shape" says Professor Matteucci, that is to say, when the ridges have been smoothed down, there is a possibility of further disturbances"
 There is now a narrowing task to bury the dead. and also the serious problem of repairing the damage. to property oyer an extensive area.
 The people of Italy have the deepest sympathy of all nations. Meetings are being held in many places for the purpose of raising funds to assist the large num- Der who have become homeless or who are on the verge of starvation. The re-