Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-29

some prisoners were Killed DuC tne
survivors made their escape and join
ed the Holligans who were sacking the
city
The barracks at Messina were de-
molished, the commander of the troops
killed outright, and there were many
victims among the enlisted men. Mar
tial law has been declared in the
earthquake district. King Victor
Emanuel will proceed to Calabria and
Sicily and do all in his power to fur
ther the work of rescue.
Volcano Is Active.
Mount Etna is smoking and showing
considerable activity but no great
eruption is expected. The detonations
and the volume of smoke rolling ont
of the crater have added to the panic
of the people.
yandaIs Busy Early.
Robbers at Messina pillaged the
ruins of the shattered buildings, and
even stole clothing and valuab,es from
corpses of the victims. They were not
deferred by the flames that broke out
| in several sections Of the city, and
took advantage Of the light for their
F., vandalism.
| The night was one of horror. indie
scribable. with robbery. and dead and
dying on every side. The city is in
| the utmost confusion. The people are
panic-stricken and under the spell of
terror.
Troops Pour Into City.
| Troops began to pour into Messina
last night. and this morning a number
of steamers arrived from the penin-
sula with soldiers on board. Patrols
were at once organized and efforts
made TO bring some order to the stu
alton. Bands of citizens were formed
and helped heroically in the work o1
rescue.
Fires Are Extinguished.
Many courageous acts were perform
led by soldiers and citizens alike. To
ward morning several of the worst
fires had been extinguished, lootins
was under partial control, and compar
ative order established. Everythin.
possible is being done to succor the
wounded, but the relief measures arr
utterly inadequate owing to the i'm
mensity of the disaster.
Finest Buildings in Ruins.
The finest palaces, churches and the
aters of Messina are heaps of ruins
Countless dead bodies are scattere'
through the wreckage, and their de
, composition will doubtless bring pes
thence to add to the horror of the sit
uation.
Devastation over the entire distric
was more or less complete. No par
of the province of Reggie di Calabr
escaped. The disturbance was mos
severe along the shores of the Strait
. of Messina, where the cities of Mes
sina and Reggie are situated.
Caused Gas Explosions.
In more than one town the shock
6 caused gas meters to explode and di
: lastrous fires resulted. Flames helpe
9 greatly to swell the death list. Th
c iconfiguration of the Straits of Messin
has been materially altered The It'd;
wave was 80 feet high.
Wireless Is of Service.
: The wireless telegraph has been {
the greatest assistance in getting
reports from the devastated regior
and in helping the authorities ser
help to places where it is most urgen
ly needed. Ships from Italian, Br
ish and Russian squadrons have lie
for Messina, taking doctors and su
p plies, medicines, etc.
q 1t is reported from Catania the bis
y op of Messina is buried under the T
ms of his residence. Signor Full
G member of the chamber of deputi
ii from Messina, together with membe
r. of his family, are reported dead.
OF 1000 Dead mt Casino.
~ Rome. Dec. 29.-Reports just !
u eeived from two other towns in Ca