New Britain herald., 1915-01-14

 was felt in Rome about o'clock this morning. In several quarters of the city the people fled from their houses into the open air.
 5O,OOO Dead and Wounded.
 Rome, Jan. 14.-With every hour, as additional and more accurate de- tails are received, the horror of yes- terdays earthquake increases. threat ening to place it second in the list of similar catastrophes in Europe only to the Messina disaster of 1908.
 The list of dead, dying and injured has increased by leaps and bounds from a relatively small figure last night to more than 50,00O, according to an official announcement today. and if is expected that this number may be added to before the day is over.
 Property Loss Undetermined.
 The full extent of the property loss has not yet been determined. Here in Rome priceless statues, century-old buildings and structures that for years have been the mecca of all visitors have been destroyed or injured.
 Though the loss of life, and possibly the amount of damage, may be small- CT than it was in 1908, the area of the disturbance greatly exceeds the Mes sina earthquake and covers the whole central portion of Italy, extending from Naples on the south to Ferrara on the north.
 Most Disastrous Disturbance.
 
 from all reports, seems to have cen tered in the vicinity of the town of Avezzano, where 15,00o persons have been killed or injured, according to the latest official reports. Reports of damage in varying degrees of sever ity have come from Latium, Abruzzi, Umbria, the Marches, Tuscany, Aez- lia, Campania and Apulia.
 The earthquake belt is estimated to be about 300 miles long, and extends practically from one side of Italy to the other. In Abruzzi and Cam pania the quake reached its highest degree, described by scientists as catastrophe" and in other places it varied between the seventh and the tenth degrees.
 Take Relief Measures.
 Relief measures for the thousands of persons who have succeeded in escaping from their collapsing homes in safety, but are in want and with out shelter are going ahead with all possible speed. Special trains have been despatched carrying physicians and nurses, and government officials have been ordered to- provide all ne- cessities for the stricken people
 King Victor Emmanuel, despite the protests of government officials who urged the international situation in Europe as a reason for his staying in Rome, left early today for the vicin- ity of Avezzano to do whatever pos sible, and by his presence give stimu- Jus to the work of relief.
 Queen Expresses Regret.
 Queen Helena, still in bed recover I ing from recent illness when she gave | birth to a daughter, has expressed the | keenest regret that she could not go | to the scene of devastation as she did | at Messina.
 Relief committees in each locality | that has been stricken are being or ganized, to work under the direction and in cooperation with the central committee in Rome that is under the supervision of Premier Salandra.
 Military Rushed fo Scene.
 The military has been rushed to the scene, and soldiers by night will have established tent colonies in which the homeless thousands may find tenn porary shelter.
 Lines of communication, especially | tracks and telephone and telegraph wires have been interrupt ed seriously throughout the entire eartnauake belt and the transporta- ton of supplies furnished by the gov ernment and private sources is going forward by automobile and horse drawn wagons
 Many Pidable Scenes. The forces at work relieving dis tress face scenes of the greatest tragedy. Families have been sep 1 a rated, fathers have returned to their shattered homes to find their chil- lren and wives dead or missing. Children are fatherless and wives l nave become widows
 Tn every stricken section temporary | hospitals have been established and o these have gone nurses and doctors o care for the injured. The list in dudes the Duchess of Aosta, who has gone to Monteroduni as nurse.
 Towns Entirely Destroyed.
 Among the towns in the earthquake districts reported entirely destroyed l Ire Bussi Capelle. Sourcola, Magliano, Iappadocia, Celano and Pescino. Sora md Arpino are said to have been wrecked
 Naples felt the shock severely. but iuffered only slight damage. Sulmona md Aouila. in the Province of Abruz- ,i and other towns i'm that region re- ,or, nuch damage and some loss or