THE EARTHQUAKE AT OAKLAND.
By Editor
ON Wednesday, April 14, at seven minutes past one o'clock, P. M., an earthquake shock was felt in this city. The Tribune says it was the most severe that has been felt in this locality in sixteen years. From the notice in the Alta we take the following:— "An unusual loud rumbling noise preceded the shock fully ten seconds. The shock lasted five or six seconds. The vibrations were from the east, then north, and then west—a sort of rotary earthquake. At the shaky Court House the greatest excitement prevailed. Owing to the condition of the building, it shook more than others throughout the city. Judge Crane, of the Superior Court, ran out of his chambers, hatless, and down the stairs to the street. The deputies throughout the building rushed pell-mell to the sidewalk. Ink, in stands, was spilled over desks, and water, standing in glasses and pitchers, was also scattered. At 360 Sixth street the plaster and two window-panes were cracked. Plaster fell in pieces from ceilings along Broadway. At East Oakland the shock was very severe. From all accounts, no serious damage was done." It is reported that several ladies fainted. There were some very pale faces about our office. We have felt only one shock more severe than this, which was in San Benito valley several years ago. There is nothing which imparts to a person such a sense of insecurity as an earthquake. From every other danger there is an instinctive effort to flee; but where shall we flee when the earth moves? Although this feeling of insecurity is shared by every one, very few can be found who will candidly consider the terrors of the "Day of the Lord," of which the Scriptures so often speak, when an earthquake shall occur, "Such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake and so great." Rev. 16:17-20. That shall be so great as to remove the mountains and destroy the islands of the sea. But the people of God will have a sure hope and secure refuge in that day. Joel 3:9-16. Southern California was visited with a sharp shock on the morning of the 12th, felt over a large extent of country. At Los Angeles it was the heaviest that has occurred there for years. California has had no destructive earthquake since 1868. Her many boiling springs are safety-valves from which escape the surplus heat of the fiery gases stored in her mountains. But who can say that these are sufficient to secure her from terrible convulsions? We know not how soon these pent-up forces may rend the mountains, or dash in pieces the structures which man has reared to gratify his pride or ambition. Yet the multitude rush on thoughtlessly and uncaring, while the means of destruction are ever near at hand. Nothing but the terrors of the great day, when it will be too late to flee from ruin, will arouse them to a sense of their folly and sin.