The West Indian Calamity
A catastrophe which has not been equaled within recent times, and which can certainly be compared with the greatest in history, occurred on May 8 on the Island of Martinique, one of the French West Indies. By a volcanic eruption of Mont Pelee, the entire town and population of St. Pierre, which, according to recent estimates, reached 40,000, were destroyed in the space of a few moments.
For three weeks previous, the crater of the volcano had been pouring forth clouds of black smoke, but up to May 5 no serious outbreak was even suggested. At that time an eruption of mud took place, the hot ashes of the interior having mingled with the water in the crater. Three days later, while the population was debating the question of its danger, the volcano suddenly burst forth in a torrent of molten rock, ashes, and flame. Before the unfortunate people could escape, they and the whole town were buried by the seething overflow.
Shortly afterwards, and almost before the world could comprehend the calamity at St. Pierre, the volcano La Soufriere, on the neighboring island of St. Vincent, broke forth, causing the death of nearly two thousand people.
In the face of this great calamity, it is touching to note the prompt and generous response of the neighboring nations to the cry for help from the survivors of a hitherto almost unknown people.