Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1909-01-07
lTALY'S CALAMITY
MOVES THE WORLD
WORST NATURAL VISITATION IN
MODERN TIMES.

Now EstImated that zoo.ooo Per-
lshed--- Cities Of MessIna and Reg
alo Ovsrthrown.--Fearful Scenes Of
HorroE.--Klnn and Queen OF Italy
Hurry 20 Stricken Seetion.--NIIlIons
Contributed for Pressing Work Of
Relief. Limited States Leads In
Givine.--Conaress Votes $500, 900.
The earthquake that devastated lower
Italy and Sicily last week was even more
terrible than at first reported. The nctu-
al number Of victims will never be
knovn, within thousands, but the first
estimate Of 1000 lives lost has been
doubled as conditions have been revealed.
i is one Of the very worst cataeIysms of
nature recorded in history, aud probably
the worst that ever befell Christendom.
The cities Of Messina in Sicily and
Reggie on the mainland nearly opposite
were the most populous centers visited,
aud the loss OF life was greatest in them.
But other towns and villages all along
the Strait Of Messina suffered in like de-
gree.
No very clear account OF the earthquake
itself has been given by the survivors,
Who are to much shattered to think con-
nectedly. II occurred at about o'clock
in the morning Of Monday, Dec. 2s,
without any premonitory warming. At
Messina there seemed to be slipping OF
the earth's crust from beneath the city
under the lower crust Of the straits bed.
There followed a most violent rebound
and oscillation, under which everything
in the nature OF buildings fell or was
warped out Of shape. The shock lasted
about 80 seconds. Then came q recession
Of the sea and an immense return tidal
wave. which completed the destruction.
In many parts flames broke out, adding
their horror.
All communication from the devastated
parts was cut on at once. The news was
carried up the coast by an Italian torpedo
boat that ran from port to port until II
reached one where it could send mes
sage. It was 80 hours before any relief
force reached Messina or Reggie.
Conditions following the earthquake
have buen II anything worse than the
shock itself. Hundreds, even thousands,
wess pinned in the ruins, while their
frantic relatives tried unavaiiingIy to res
cue them. Those who escaped were
many II them badly injured, but could
not b. cared for. The iails were
wrenched apart By the quake and the
prisoners went forth to their deeds Of VIII
lainy, too horrible to be told OF. To
them were added bands Of plundering
villagers from outside. The dead and
dying, as wen as the living. were robbed
ruthle sly. The water systsmn were de-
stroyei, and after q little no food could
be had. Starving men, women and chill
dren struggled frantically and fought like
hends for mere crusts. Many Of them
were without clothing, save Of the rud-
est. il Is not strange that minds gave
way under the strain, and that hundreds
became insane. To add to the confusion,
the earthquake shocks continued inter
mittently for days, throwing down re-
naming walls and increasing the fatali-
ties. Etna and 4tromboli, volcanoes of
Sicily, gave signs OF aruption. It was =
week Of torment to the living, whose hor-
rors can never be painted.
As soon as the magnitude Of the caIam-
ity became known, the whole civilized
world jumped to the work OF rescue and
succor. Two Russian battleships hap
penec to be il the vicinity and their sail
ors performed prOdieies OF vaIor in saw
ing the lives Of Messinians and stopping
the robbeFies By miscresnts, who were
shot IN the act without questions. 1t
was seen that great store Of everything
would be needed Immediately to care for
the survivors. The king and queen Of
Italy went at once from Rome to the
stricken section and personally assisted
in the work OF rescue--an exhibition Of
devotion to duty seldom seen in mon
archf. The pope gave 1900, 900 and his
prayers. The whole of Italy rose to the
task. But the contributions have not
stopped there. All countries have given
without stint. Among these the United
States is perhaps foremost. A naval yes
sci rundy to sail from Brooklyn for the re-
turning American feet laden with sup
plies was started at once for the work OF
relief. Congress Monday appropriated
$500 900. The American Red Cross has
already collected e400, 900. Rich and
poor have Wed with one smother. New
York city alone has given $780, 900. The
Christian Herald rendered $50, 900. Indi-
viduals have given as much as $40, 900
apiece. In New York city Sunday teams
passing through the poor Italian quarter
wern buried under a shower Of small
coins and articles that could be i'll spared.
Canada has given 500, 900 and the con-
tributions on all sides are stiu rolling in.
Most Of the aid will be rendered through
the Italian Red Cross, though the consul
lar agents win assist also. II Is planned
to bring as many Of the survivors as pos
sibls to Rome and Naples. II is likely
the stricken cities will not be rebuilt.
So far as known, the loss Of life tc
Americans Is small. but Il Is unlikely
that anv aofourufnQ in those parts thai