A Letter from St. Vincent
WHILE reading the reports of the recent volcanic eruptions in the West Indies, many have doubtless thought of our workers who are located near these scenes of disaster. The following letter has been received from Brother E. Van Deusen, and we think it will be of interest to all:— KINGSTOWN, ST. VINCENT, W. I., May 20, 1902. DEAR BRETHREN: The condition here is indeed serious. Sixteen hundred persons suffered death by the crater-burst, and one thousand were rendered homeless. About one hundred and sixty persons sustained serious injuries from the heat and the falling stones. The crater is continually ejecting lava. Sunday at 8:20 P. M. an eruption occurred, the volume of steam being larger than on any previous occasion. It lasted about an hour. Yesterday a small steamer started on a coast trip around the island, but on account of heat and smoke could not pass on the windward side of the crater. A man who went to investigate the situation, returned last evening. He says that the whole country is changed. The land next to the sea seemed to be lifted up, and where it once sloped gradually to the sea, it now presents a high perpendicular front. Where once were deep gulches leading from the higher land to the sea, there is now a plain. The whole country around the crater is ruined. That part of the island was the most productive. Where were fields, herds, and peasants' hamlets, there is now a lava bed. Indeed, the whole island is ruined. Relief is being sent from other islands. Prices have already advanced, and food is high. You may ask what I am going to do. Well, I do not feel like leaving just yet. What awaits St. Vincent I know not. I fully believe that this is a visitation from God. The wickedness of St. Vincent is appalling. It is a hard place in which to labor, but there are some here who are obeying God's word, and we believe that others will do so. To leave now would seem not the thing to do. Yours in the blessed hope, E. VAN DEUSEN.