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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1902

— One of the worst disasters in the whole history of coal mining occurred at Coal Creek, Tenn., May 19. An explosion took place in one part of the mine, killing a large number of men who were at work, and cutting off the escape of all others in the shaft, leaving three miles of underground passageway, filled with fallen slate, deadly gases, and burning timbers, between them and the outer world. It is estimated that the loss of life is over two hundred.

— The islands of Martinique and St. Vincent are being rapidly depopulated, the inhabitants fleeing in panic to other places, convinced that the islands are to be totally destroyed by the volcanic eruptions now in progress. The behavior of Mont Pelée and Grande Soufrière, meanwhile, gives no small ground for these apprehensions. Violent eruptions continue from each crater, accompanied with terrifying explosions and showers of red-hot stones and ashes. The subterranean disturbance appears to be extending in area.

— May 20 was the natal day of the new Cuban republic. At noon on that date, the formal transfer of the government to the hands of the Cubans was made by the United States, a proclamation setting forth the terms of the transfer being read by General Wood, the military governor, before an immense throng assembled before the palace in Havana. The American flag was lowered over the palace, and the ensign of Cuba raised in its place, amidst great enthusiasm on the part of the assembled Cubans. A message of congratulation from President Roosevelt was also read. The American forces in the city then marched to the shore, and embarked on the war ships waiting to receive them, which at once sailed away for the United States. A like ceremony was performed at Santiago, under the direction of General Whiteside. Several batteries of United States artillery yet remain, however, on Cuban soil. The foreign war ships in the harbor of Havana saluted the Cuban flag. The new republic finds itself much embarrassed financially, and Cuban statesmen will be busy for some time with the problem of providing for the expenses of the government.