Imperial Valley press., 1936-09-20

gradually being overcome, and at the present
time the volcanic fires are furnishing in the
neighborhood of 900 kilowatts of energy
IN CALIFORNIA geysers are harnessed and
supply around II 600 kilowatts to the
near Sonoma. And in the limited area of Kill
auea, certain buildings in the National Park
are heated by volcanic steam.
But it is not such minor benefits that DR..
Jaggar has in mind. During his quarter of a
century in the islands, this pioneer volcanolo-
gist has been able to forecast with almost
uncanny accuracy the reappearance of lava
flows, the approach of tidal waves and other
phenomena connected with volcanic action. His
data, he says, are far from complete, but have
given him basis for valuable service to the
Territory of Hawaii and to nations bordering
on the Pacific.
Tidal waves have raced across oceans at a
speed of more than 300 miles an hour. Only
the radio and the cable can outrun them and
in order to flash warnings there must be we'll
organized network of communication. Tidal
waves have been known to travel distance of
1000 miles.
What is wanted and needed In every case of
disaster is dispassonate survey of the situa-
tion the means of averting its repetition
minimizing the evils of repetition and a study
of the relief measures taken, all looking toward
improvement on the next OCCASION" the doctor
states.
"An institute of research would not only
study causes and look for advance information
but would supplement the work of the Red
Cross 1t would attack from business and
insurance viewpoint what the Red Cross attacks
from an emergency and relief viewpoint.
Other scientists support him. None other than
the famous Frenchman H. j. Johnston-Lavis in
a published book, points out that volcanoes can
be brought into the public view benefactors
of humanity
bo laid
scourges, pestilences and epidemcs of diseases
to the eruptions of volcanoes. At great length
he refutes that belief and points out that the
volcano should be defended as producer of vol
canic ash, one of the worlds best soils for
grapes.
NR. JAGGAR would go a step farther. He
u would not only build general and friendly
interest in these phenomena of nature, but he
would so lay his preparations that this friendly
interest would be justified.
He points out:
There have been terrestrial disasters since
the world began but the extent of damage and
the menace to human life increase as popula-
ton becomes congested and moves into new
areas. The results of future disturbances
beneath the surface of the earth may be more
tragic than those of the past unless science and
cooperation take their precautions"
He feels that:
research could be effectively carried on from
central laboratory in Hawaii and the Hawaiian
Volcano Research Association is perfectly suited
to administer an endowment for the purpose
For more than a quarter of century the
association has been sending out expeditions
from Hawaii to study earthquakes and vol
canoes in various parts of the world. 1t has been
instrumental in inducing the federal government
to carry a research of it's own.
ssThe time is riDe he
interested in an opportunity Of saving human
life and property to endow an institute of world
wide scope to deal with the causes of natural
disaster and to reduce their destructive poten-
tiality.
1.-THE work would naturally begin with Pacific
Ocean expeditions and gradually extend itself
to all parts of the world. 1t is difficult to mag-
inc an activity more lucrative in interest and
results"
And he reiterates that:
"It may be impossible to make the world
earthquake proof, but many of its nhabitants-
IL not all of them-may be made shock proof"
PAGE THREE-A