The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-01-02
PROGRESS is MADE
in WORK OF RELIEF
Italian Government, Assisted by Nations of the Earth Is
Putting Forth Every Effort Quickly Relieve the Urgent
Needs of Sufferers in Stricken SicIyKng and Queen
Labor Devotedly Among Their Unfortunate Subjects.

Rome, Jan. 1.-Although graphic
stories are coming into Rome of the
horrors in southern Italy and Sicily,
these are but repetitions of individual
tragedies already recorded. What
chiefly concerns the government and
the people is the progress that Is be-
ing made toward the relief of those
who have suffered by the dread visi-
tation. Considerable advance in this
respect has been made at Messina,
where, according to official reports re-
ceived here, the supply service is be-
ginning to work satisfactorily. The
different regions of the coast have
been allotted to various Warships and
other ships as centers from which tor
pedo boats and launches may distrib-
ute rations and water to the different
villages.
The minister of justice ha stele-
graphed from Messina to Premier Clio
litti that large bodies of troops have
arrived and are now occupying all
parts of the town. The appalling ex-
tent of the disaster makes anything
like a systematic search of the ruins
dragged out continually and are be-
ing transported to the relief ships as
soon as their wounds receive attention
Slight shocks were felt in the earth
quake zone today, completing the ruins
of the crumbling buildings. These
shocks keep up the alarm of the pop
ulation. One quite severe shock was
felt at 3 o'clock In the morning and
another at .. Fires are. still burning,
although much rain has fallen. The
latest Investigations on both sides Of
the straits make it certain that many
more than half the population of the
coast towns and villages have been
killed. Professor Ricco. director of the
that the victims of the earthquake ex-
ceed 100000. Hundreds of dangerous
criminals have been arrested by the
troops and are under close guard.
Great Relief.
Great relief was felt here when the
announcement was made that the Lii
pari islands, which were reported to
have disappeared with their population
of $4,000, suffered little or no dam
age from the earthquake. Public
opinion Is greatly concerned with re-
gard to the safety of the king and
queen and the possible danger from
tottering walls, The king frequently
has tried to persuade the queen to
rest, or to return to Rome. but she has
always refused, declaring that II
would break her heart to abandon her
husband.
Deep Sorrow.
New Years day in Italy is usually
a day of rejoicing as widespread az
on Christmas Imposing ceremonies
are celebrated in the churches. But
these ceremonies and the festal spirit
are wanting today Instead there were
lamentations. The flags wave at
halfmast and the bells of a thousand
churches ring not for the Te Deum but
toll sad knells for requiem masses.
King Victor Emmanuel has been in
He has shown wonderful
activity and endurance. leaving no
point in Messina unvisited. He has
supervised the entire work in the fall
en- city and his presence has infused
cuers. Often he Is surrounded by a !
crowd of victims, who as though the
sight of the king had restored their
strength, enthusiastically shout I'VE have
a king; we have a protector"
Generous Spirit.
A touching feature of the material
aid offered by all classes of people in
Rome Is the donation of clothing and
bedding which the workmen are freely
giving to collecting students. Reports
from all parts Of Italy indicate the same
generous spirit. The king has placed
the royal palaces at Naples and Caseta
at the disposal of the injured.
Princess Yolande, the 7-year- old
daughter of the king, having had the
reason for her parents absence ex-
planned to her, carried about a contri-
button box among her little friends at