The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-10-02

damage was done to the structure of
the Panama canal by the earthquake
which occurred in the canal zone be-
tween IL and II o'clock last night.
Panama, Oct 2.-Instruments at the
Ancon observatory showed the common
point of origin of the shocks was some
where to the north of Colon in the Car
ibbean sea, but the Gatun dam and the
canal locks suffered absolutely no in
jury. An early investigation of the
buildings at Panama showed more
damage had been done than it had
been at first believed Although no
walls We're seriously impaired, slight
cracks occurred in several concrete
buildings. This condition was particu-
larly noticeable in Twelfth street near
Santa Ma plaza
After the occurrence of last nights
disturbance one of the Central and
South American ca bles broke at a point
about $50 miles north of Panama. This
may have been a coincidence or it may
have been the result of the shocks.
The break caused no inconvenience to
the cable company's traffic. The earth
quake appeared to be of a submarine
character.
Washington, Oct. 2.-MaJor Boggs, in
charge of the Isthmian canal offices in
this city, today cabled to Col. Goethals
at Panama for details of the earth
shocks on the isthmus last night with
special reference to its possible effect
upon the Panama canal This action
was taken as a measure of precaution,
though the officials felt Col Goethals
would have advised them very prompt
ly had the canal sustained any sub
stantial injury. 1t is recalled at the
commission offices that from time to
time there have been slight shocks OF
earthquake experienced on the isthmus
since the Americans assumed charge or
the canal construction but in no case
has there been any damage whatever
to the engineering work, although a
report of one OF these
uuakes about two years ago caused
alarm. 1t is said at the
commission offices, very little danger
of extensive injury to the canal could
have been caused by any earthquake
of record, not only on the isthmus,
but in this hemisphere.
AS far as the isthmus itself is con-
cerned the records which have been
carefully studied by the canal COM
missioners fail to show the occurrence
of anything more than slight seismic
disturbances in that quarter as Tar
back as the history of the isthmus Is
known.
There are standing today masonry
structures erected several centuries ago,
which probably would have been de-
stroyed long ago by any considerable
earthquake shock. But in addition to
this reported exemption of the isthmus
proper from severe earthquakes the !
army engineers base their belief in
the safety of the canal largely upon |
the wonderful enduring qualities of the
reinforced concrete cOnStruc- |
ton, which is embodied in all of the |
great locks, dams and approaches OF |
the new canal. 1t is pointed out that |
IRON J1fiC rfh
.hough the line representing the point |
1f most imminent danger ran directly |
through the Mare Island navy yard, |
he great concrete dock there was alb
;olutely undisturbed and the same was
rue of the reinforced buildings IN |
san Francisco itself.
1t is said at the canal offices that
there was no connection whatever be-
-ween last nights earthquake and the
extensive earth slides in the Culebra
cut at Cucaracha, reported yesterday
The latter movement has been in slow
out continuous process and its sonly
II effect, it is said might be to cause
L postponement for a few days or
weeks, of the opening of water COM
across the isthmus, an
event originally fixed for October 10.
when the famous Gamboa dixie was
o have been dynamited.
Houses Are Rocked.
Colon Oct "A severe earthquake
occurred here at 11:20 o'clock last
hight. The disturbance was of nearly
| minutes duration. Houses were
.ocked and the entire population was
lroused. Thousands filled the streets
md remained there in fear of the col
apse of their houses.
The earthquake was the heaviest
within memory. A second slight
hock occurred at 11:40 o'clock.
The disturbance began with a slow,
,scillating movement which gradually
became more marked. Houses swayed
locks stopped and articles of furni-
ure were thrown to the floor. Many of
he residents became half panic strick-
N and women rushed from the homes
With children in their arms.
On the Other Side.
Panama. Oct 1.-Two earthquakes of
N intensity much more severe than
my distur Dances since the Americans
ook possession of the canal zone, oc-
urred late last night. They were felt
rom Panama City to Colon.
The first shock, as experienced in the
apital, was slight and was Immediate
V followed by one of longer duration
which shook buildings to their founda-
ion The church bells We're set to
inging. doors were thrown wide open
nd residents were brought tumbling
rom their beds.