Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-01-14
$4,000 MAY HAVE
PERISHED IN ITALY

Continued from Page Ono
zano were crushed in the ruins of their
homes. The Governmental reports say
that the houses collapsed under the vio-
lence of the shock as though they were
made of cards. Fire broke out in the
ruins shortly after the initial shock, but
1t was quickly extinguished.
The uninjured Immediately started the
work of rescue. 1t is stated that more
than 1900 persons were injured. many
seriously. There was no way Of getting
word of the tragedy to the outside world
except by messenger. and 1t required
nearly all day for the courier to reach
a point where he could get into COM
munication with Rome. The King at
once ordered cavalry and infantry to the
rescue and virtually all the territory af-
fected Is now under martial law.
Not only has railroad traffic into the
stricken district been interrupted, but II
is reported that in many instances the
roads along the mountain sides have been
turned into deep gulles that are almost
impossible.
The various bridges and tunnels along
the railroad were all destroyed, and re-
ports current here today say that at
least one Train lhltu WIN pshDSS'bS'S AN''
into gully.
THOUSAND DEAD AT ALBE.
Nearly 1000 persons are reported to have
been killed In and around the village OF
AIbe; near Celano. Celano lies % miles
southeast of Aquila. near the former bed
of Lago Fucno. At Trevi, in the rPovince
of Perugia, two lives were lost.
A dispatch from Naples says there has
been no loss OF life in the Province of
Potenza where the full strength of the
earthuuake was believed to have been
felt. Communication was restored for
brief interval today, and officials re-
port that, while there has been great
property damage, II Is not believed that
any one has been killed.
The gravest anxiety had been felt for
this province. because all communication
with it has been cut off since the earth
quake.
More than 20 towns and villages were
greatly damaged or destroyed by the
earthquake. 1t is believed that more
than 5000 were injured. At least 100000
are homeless.
KING VISITS STRICKEN TOWNS.
Announcement was made at noon that
King Victor Emmanuel had left Rome for
the interior to visit the points where the
earthquake was most severe. Two special
trains left here early today carrying phy-
slclans, nurses and medical supplies. Inc
King will take personal charge OF the
relief work.
In one of these trains was the Duchess
d. 'Aosta, personal representative OF queen
Helena, whose health prevented her from
going to the sufferers. The Duchess VIII
make a tour of all the damaged to"hS
ana assist III the reliel wur".
The Government is taking energetic
steps to rescue the victims and TO restore
the shattered towns. Troops are being
rushed 10 the devastated area with all
possible speed. Doctors and medical sup
plies are already on the way.
The Government is in excellent shape
10 meet the present crisis, as the army
is on practically war basis, while there
are tons of medical supplies stored at the
various headquarters. These Will De
utilized to the utmost extent.
Many believe the earthquake was sent
as a divine warning to Italy not to enter
the war, and this belief Is entertained
even In Palace circles. In any case the
recent preparations OF the army have not
been wasted effort
POPE BENEDICT PRAISED,
There is nothing but the highest praise
everywhere for Pope Benedict, who when
the first shock was felt was reclting the
Thanksgiving after the morning mass,
He Immediately directed that every effort
be made to aid the sufferers, and by his
example finally quelled an inclpient panic
among his attendants and guards.
His Holiness Immediately gave orders
for a Solemn High Mass In the Cathedral
and had an investigation made OF the
damage sustained at st. Peters
Premier Salandra. who also holds the
portfolio of Minister of the Interior, can
eeled trip that he had intended TO take
to Naples today and stayed In Rome to
superintend relief measures here A Cab
met meeting was held this morning at
which 1t was decided to appropriate So
900 at once for the relief OF the suffering
caused By the earthquake.
SECOND ONLY TO MEssINA."
At the conclusion OF the cabinet meet
ing the Premier said;
I'VE fear that this disaster Is second
only TO that at Messna In which more
than 1000 perished. We are hoping, of
course, that the restoration OF commu-
iu.a .4on "Ill show that the disaster was