The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-03-30
AETNA IN ERUPTION.
EARTH SHAKES AND LAVA
FLOWS.
Vibrations of Solid Ground, With
Menace OF Already Destructive
Streams, Terrlfy Peasants.

have wrought great destruction, is
again In a violent state of activity A
pronounced movement within the
crater began last evening. steadily in
creasing In volume, and tonight the
greatest fears are entertained as to
in its present violent form.
From Catania correspondents mo-
tored In the direction of the noun
tain. Passing the village of Mascalu-
cia. IL miles in direct line from the
crater. a thick curtain of smoke was
encountered which entirely concealed
Aetna. At Nicolos. 10 miles from the
crater. the entire population had
gathered in the square to watch the
volcano, which appeared as a black
phantom above. Now and then 1t
was Illuminated with flashes OF light,
appearing almost red. Higher up
the rain OF cinders became thicker
and extended like a veil across the
mountain.
A deep roaring was heard and de-
donations like the sound of artillery
following one another in quick sue
cession while the earth shook under
foot.
One OF the guides cried: can
earthquake" and could hardly be in
duced TO continue. The hot cinders
GOV cred the ground like a thick car
pet. rendering walking difficult A
peasant was encountered coming
down. He said: THE fire is rush.
ing down; burning every thing. The
lava Is like a red hot river"
Proceeding a little further, four CO.
lossal 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 with mon
strous contortions.
IL fell like a torrent from Mount
Capriol, spreading out In the valley
below. The lava flow had already
reached the vineyards above San Leo
anu Rinazzo. seven miles from the
crater. and had buried a large num-
ber OF peasants houses.
II came In several streams and uni
ted In one great mass about 20 feet
In al
locity was estimated at three to four
feet minute, varying according to
the condition of the ground.
This mighty wall Of lava was today
not more than five miles from Bolas-
80 and Nicolls. The meteorological
station on the mountain side had
been destroyed, and the village of
Borrello is in serious danger The
populace, terror stricken, are flying
from their homes. The earth shocks
have been about so in number, and
there is a continuous vibration and
trembling for many miles around.
Everywhere the villagers are carry
Ing images in procession and implor-
ing mercy. Twelve new craters have
been opened up.
Help for the people of the devasta-
ted region is being organized here. A
detachment of soldiers and a large
number Of engineers and doctors
have gone forward. The prefect of
catania. returning from the scene
this evening. said:
II have witnessed a spectacle of
desolation and ruin which only those
who saw the eruption Of Vesuvius
I'm 1906 can imagine. The present
eruption can be compared to no
other"
The authorities have issued orders
that no one shall be permitted to go
beyond Belpasso and guards have
been stationed at various points to
see that these orders are obeyed. The
village OF Boreli is surrounded by the
lava and the inhabitants have fed to
Belpasso.
Prof. Ricco. director of Mount Act
ma observatory. said tonight:
"The eruption is very grave and /
think 1t will become much more seri-
Gus. The lava has covered five miles
In 1G hours and II my calculations
are right the eruption OF the Volcano
will not be short"
Many tourists. among whom Amer
leans are conspicuous. are pouring
into Catania 10 view the spectacle.
Latest reports from Nicolosi tonight
say that the lava current is moving
at the rate OF about 100 feet an hour