The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1910-04-01
ETNA IN ERUPTION
LAVA AND FLAMES MAKE A ROAR.
ING FURNACE FOR MILES,,
CREATING HAVOC.
CRATER BELCHING fire
Rain Of cinders Falls Over Towns
Near the Angry voIcano.-Terror.
Striker PopuIace Abandon
Their Homes.

Catania, Cicily. = Mount Aetna,
whose eruptions in the past have
wrought great destruction, is again
in a violent state of activity. A
pronounced movement within the
Greater began Wednesday evening.
steadily increasing in volume and the
gravest fears are entertained as to the
results If the eruption continues in its
present violent form.
From Catania a correspondent mot
ored in the direction of the mountain.
Passing the village of Mascalucia.
IL miles in direct line from the craft
er, a thick curtain of smoke was en-
countered which entirely concealed
Etna. At Nicolosi, 10 miles from the
crater, the entire population had gath
cred in the square to watch the vol
cano which appeared as black phan-
tom above. Now and then it was H.
Illuminated with flashes of light, ap-
pearing almost red. Higher up the
rain of cinders became thicker and
extended like veil across the noun
tain. A deep roaring was heard. and
detonations like the sound of artillery
following one another in quick sue
cession, while the earth shook under
foot. The hot cinders covered the
ground like a thick carpet, rendering
walking difficult.
Flashes Of Fire Seen.
Proceeding little further along.
four colossal columns of black smoke
could be observed. Occasionally they
were cut by flashes of fire, presenting
an awe-inspiring spectacle. Then the
wind opened the clouds for moment
and wide strip of fire could be seen
in the distance advancing.
The lava flow had already reached
the vineyards above San Leo and
Rinazzo, seven miles from the crater.
and had burned large number of
peasants houses. 1t came in several
streams and united in one great mass
about 20 feet in height and 1,500 feet
wide. It's velocity was estimated at
three to four feet minute, varying
according to the condition of the
ground. This mighty wall of lava
was not more than five miles from
Boil Passo and Nicolosi.
The village of Borrello is in serious
danger. The populace, terror-stricken
are flying from their homes. The
earth shocks have reached about so
in number but there is a continuous
vibration and trembling for many
miles around. Everywhere the villag-
ers are carrying images in procession
and imploring mercy. Twelve new
craters have been opened up.
Relief Organizations Formed.
Help for the people of the devastat
ed regions is being organized here.
A detachment of soldiers, and a large
number of engineers and doctors have
gone forward. The project of Catania,
returning from the scene said:
Il have witnessed a spectacle OF
desolation and ruin which only those
who saw the eruption of Vesuvius in
1906 can imagine. The present erup-
ton can be compared to no other"
Authorities have issued orders that
no one shall be permitted to go be-
yond Belpasso and soldiers have been
stationed at various points to see that
the orders are obeyed. The village
of Borello is surrounded by lava and
the inhabitants have fed to Belpasso.
Professor Ricco. director of Mount
Etna observatory, said:
Eruption Is Grave.
'The eruption is very grave, and /
think it will become much more seri-
Gus. The lava has covered five miles
in Is hours, and if my calculations are
right the eruption of the volcano will
not be short"
DR.. Walter Craven, and Englishman.
after his return from Nicolosi, where
he photographed the lava said:
Horrible detenations made the
ground tremble under my feet, and it
was impossible to keep the camera
steady more than for q moment"
Many tourists, among whom Amert
cans are conspicuous, are pouring into
Catania to view the spectacle. Later
reports from Nicoloso say that the
lava current is moving at the rate of
about 100 feet an hour and that it has
passed over Mount Sanleo.