The Lexington progress. (Lexington, Tenn.) 1884-current, 1916-05-19
DR.. Fred c. Watson
Writes OF Earth
quake in Panama.

DR.. Fred C. Watson, now in the
employ Of tine United Fruit Co., in
Panama, writes the following letter
to home folk, and it was handed us
for publication:
Bocas Del Toro, R. P,
April 20, 1915
My dear Folks:
This is Sunday and | have been
trying to find an opportunity to
write you since Tuesday night
at about 8 p, m, at which time we
experienced a novel sensation and
one which will not soon be forgot
ten-an earthquake.
One week ago tonight we had
what the older inhabitants here
called a rather severe shock but
since the one Tuesday night we
have forgotten the first one.
In order to appreciate what an
earthquake is really like, you must
have experienced one. 1t is diff
cult to describe just how you felt
after it is all over. AT the time
the shock was felt in Bocas, we
were at the movies, when sudden
ly and without any warning the
house commencen to roll from side
to side pretty much like a sea-
rough sea at that. Chairs and 9TH
er loose articles Of furniture were
tossed about and pieces Of electric
fans were flying here ond there and
every minute you had the feeling
that the house would certainly col
lapse. There was quite a crowd at
the show. and Of course all wanted
to get out first. The shock lasted
probably for IS or 20 seconds but
seemed like several minutes. nev-
er knew before just how many
things you could think Of in such a
short time but | do now. You have
plenty Of time to think Of every
think evil you have ever done and
also plenty of time to wish you
were somewhere else. There was
so much crowding by the people to
get out and the house was rocking
so, that we waited a second and
crawled along as best we could.
When we reached the outside we
were still swaying. The street in
front Of the theatre was filled with
people on their knees and counting
their beads.
Fortunately there was no loss Of
life, only a few minor injuries were
sustained by a few people. The
damage to property was consider
able and will probably run into
tens Of thousands. In the imme-
diate vicinity here there were prob
ably a dozen houses shaken from
their foundations while in others
the contents were turned upside
down. The concrete sea wall was
broken in several places. Rents 8
or A inches wide were made in the
streets and water spurted upwards
a distance Of about five feet. This
water was fresh in contrast to the
water which surrounds the islands,
A small tidal wave about five
feet high washed over one part Of
town.
The Fruit Company's new three
story concrete building was dam
agee to the extent of $4,000, all Of
the partitions were cracked and in
many places the ceilings caved in
In the offices, desks were upturned
papers were strewn. in various
places it looked as II someone was
either moving in or someone NOV
ing out. The new concrete wharf
was cracked in places. Sixty-fouI
of the laborers' houses were thrown
off their foundations and on to the
ground. A few private house:
were demolished as well as a 5000
gallon water tank. 1t is needless
to say that if this thing happens
again your little Willie will no long
er remain in Bocas.
Love to all, am,
Yours,
FRED.