The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-03-25
Natives of Sicily Fear Great Destruction Of Lite and
 Property
LAVA AND SMOKE POUR
 FROM THE GREAT CRATER
Many Peasant Houses Have Been Burned By Lava Flow and People Are Fleeing From Their Homes
 in Greatest Terror

Catania, Sicily, March 24-Mount Aetna, whose eruptions in the past have wrought great destruction. is again in violent state of activity. A pronounced movement within the crater began last evening, steadily increasing in volume. Tonight the gravest fears are entertained as to the results if the eruption continues in its present violent form.
 From Catania correspondents motored in the direction of the mountain. Passing the village of Mascalucia, 12 miles in direct line from the crater thick cur tain of smoke was encountered which entirely concealed Aetna. At Nicolasi, 10 miles from the crater, the entire pop ulation had gathered in the square to watch the volcano, which apepared as . black phantom above.
 Now and then the peak was illumi- mated with flashes of light, appearing al- most red. Higher up the rain of cinders became thicker and extended like veil across the mountain. deep roaring was heard, and detonations like the sound of artillery following one another in quick succession was distinguished, and the earth shook under foot. One of the guides cried out earthquake, and could hardly be induced to continue.
 The hot cinders covered the ground like thick carpet rendering walking dif- ficult A peasant was encountered com- ing down. He said:
 ''The fire is rushing down, burning everything The lava is like red hot riverl''
 Proceeding a little further along four colossal coimns of black smoke could be observed
 Occasionally the clouds 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 advance ing with monstrous contortions. It fell like a torrent from Mount Capriolo, spreading out in the valley below.
 The lava flow had already reached the vineyards above San Leo and Rinazzi, seven miles from the crater, and had buried a large number of peasant houses. It came in several streams and united in @ great mass about 20 feet in height and 1500 feet wide. It's velocity was estimated at three to four feet q minute, varying according to the condition of the ground. This mighty wall of lava was today not more than five miles from Bolosasso and Nicolasi. The meteorological station on the mountain side has been destroyed and the village of Berrelo is in serious dan- ger.
 The popuace, terror stricken, are flee ing from their homes. The earthquake shocks have reached about 50 in number but there is a continuous reverbration and tremors for many miles around are
  ing images In procession and imploring mercy Twelve new craters have been opened up.
 Help for the people of the devastated region is being organized. detachment of soldiers and large number of en- gineers and doctors have gone forward. The prefeet of Catania, returning from the scene this evening, said:
 T have witnessed a spectacle of deso- lation and ruin which only those who saw the eruption of Vesuvious in 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 soldiers have been stationed at various points to see that these orders are observed. The village of Borel is surrounded by the lava and the inhabi- tants have fled to Belpasso."
 Professor Ricco, director of Mt. Etna observatory. said tonight:
 "The eruption is very grave and think it will become much more serious. The lava has covered five miles in 16 hours and if my calculations are right the erup- tion of the volcano will not be short.'
 Many tourists, among whom Americans are conspicuous are pouring into Ca- tania to view the spectacle. Latest re- ports from Nicolosi tonight say that the lava current is moving at the rate of about 100 feet an hour and that 1t has passed over Mt. San Leo. The earth shoclss continue.