The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1910-03-25
Mount Aetna in a State of ViO-
lent Eruption.
Stream of Molten Matter Carries
Death and Destruction.
THE CONSUMING FLOOD
Already Has Extended Nine
Miles From Its Source.
Thousands of People Flee in
Terror From Their Homes.

Catania, Sicily, March 25.-An Of
fetal report on the volcanic disturb
ances in the Mount Aetna district,
made public this forenoon, while con-
firming the gravity of the situation
holds out the hope that the worst is
over. The craters that may be prop
erly described as new appear to be
only four in number. These have
opened at the foot of Mount Castel-
lazzo, four miles in an air line from
the summit of Mount Aetna.
One of these craters is at a spot
called Tasca Albaneln. This is not
throwing out much lava but is the
noisiest of the four and. it's loud de-
donations are chiefly responsible for
the terror of the population for miles
around. A second crater is 500 feet
above in a place called Volta Sin
above the sea and the most active of
the openings, emitting the greatest
amount of incandescent matter.
At Tasca Arena is a third break,
also very active and near it is the
fourth, showing a. less serious erup-
ton. The four streams emitted from
these craterS have united at the foot
of Mount Castellazzo and formed a
great river of lava that is bringing
death and desoIation into the invaded
districts. Plants, trees. whole vine
yards and orchards have been de-
stroyed by the consuming flood This
morning the lava river had extended
nine miles from it's source.
Even in this city there was little
sleep for any one last night. The
greatest anxiety was felt for friends
and relatives and their property in
terests in the threatened district by
those who well know the possibilities
of the disaster.
People I'm Terror.
In the path of the advancing flood
the people are in great terror and
had abandoned their homes
at daylight. The roaring of Mount
Etna continued without interruption
today and a rain of cinders fell for
miles around. Several houses of peas
ants already have been destroyed and
it is feared that if the flow does not
cease very soon the flood will enter
BorreIlo.
Caravans of peasants carrying all
their household goods and all of their
possessions are moving
to places of safety. In their distress
they present a pathetic sight. At
many homes the molten mass has en-
tered the cisternS and caused destruc-
tive explosions.
During the past forty-eight hours
the emission of lava 1t is estimated.
has amounted to ten million cubic
yards.
Prof. Ricco, director of the Mount
Aetna observatory, advancing too far
into the disturbed zone today was
in a storm of cinders and
smoke and forced to flee for his life.
Troops have been ordered into the vi
cinity and volunteers from neighbor- |
ing villages have come to the aid of
the distressed.
The King VIII Go South.
Rome, March 25.-King Victor |
Emmanuel today expr es5ed his inten- |
ton to go into the territory threaten |
ed by the volcanic eruptions in the |
of Mount Aetna to direct the |
work of succor, encourage and share |
the danger of his subjects, if the |
gravity of the eruptiOnS continued.
Premier Sonnino, who is still act |
ing pending the choice of his success |
sor in office, today instructed the pre- |
feet of police of Catania to use all the |
means in his power to afford aid to |
the people suffering by reason of the |
eruptions. At the same time the min |
istry of war ordered troops sent to |
the scene to assist the mayors of the |
in maintaining order and saw |
ing property.
This city is crowded with visitors. |
More than $4,000 tourists including a |
for Holy Week. Today many of these |
started south to witness the eruptions. |
The pope has received a report of |
the situation from Cardinal Ne
chbishop of Catania. who yesterday
visited NicoIosi and the vicinity The |
cardinal describes the desolation of
the stricken districts, the great fear
Of the population and the comfort re-
,eived from the faith as manifested
in public prayers and professions.