WHEN we read of the destruction of San Francisco by earthquake and fire, and of the terrible scenes witnessed there a few months past, little did we think that so soon we would be called upon to witness scenes equal or surpassing those in California.
At 7:50 on the evening of August 16th, Valparaiso was visited by three distinct shocks which followed each other in rapid succession, destroying the greater part of the city. Valparaiso contained about 200,000 inhabitants; the business section of the city being built on the plain and the residence portion on the surrounding hills. Of the business section but one street remains that was not completely demolished or burned by the fire which followed. It seemed that hardly a moment had passed until the whole city was illuminated by the fires which sprang up in all parts. The residence portion suffered severely from the effects of the shocks, many of the houses burned also.
It is hardly necessary to describe the scenes that took place here, as they were almost identical with those of San Francisco, which have been already vividly portrayed before the minds of the people. The terrible roar of the earthquake, the crash of falling buildings, the screams and cries of the people as they called upon the Virgin Mary to save them, leaves an impression on the mind that time can not efface.
The house in which we were living was not destroyed by the earthquake, but was subsequently burned. We were able to save the most of our household goods, but the book deposit belonging to the mission was completely destroyed.
Not one of the brethren lost their lives, as God's protecting care was over them, the same as when the city was visited by such a dreadful epidemic of small-pox last year, during which time it was said 15,000 people died, yet not one of the brethren suffered from the disease.
The loss of life in this present disaster is estimated at 3,000, but the exact number will never be known as in some cases whole families were buried in the ruins, and many bodies have been incinerated.
In this I am saying nothing of the destruction of Limache, Quillota, Llai-Llai, and other smaller places, several of which were completely destroyed.
Up to the present the food supply has been ample for the need, as much was stored in the custom house, nevertheless much suffering is bound to follow.
The Pacific Press grounds, Oct. 9, 1906, prepared for cement floor and frame, looking from the boarding house, where the offices now are, northeasterly. The power house and tank house to the right.
The railroads have been so damaged that it will be impossible to get them cleared for perhaps several months. The only way by which any one can leave the city is by small coast steamers. They have offered free passage to all who desire to go north or south. Also the European ships have done likewise for all who desire to sail for Europe.
A captain of a ship who was in San Francisco, April 18, at the time of the earthquake there, said that the earthquake in Valparaiso was much stronger than in San Francisco. The fact is that there is not a building in Valparaiso or surrounding towns which was not badly damaged or completely destroyed. The matter is summed up in saying that the San Francisco horror is equalled or surpassed.
Since beginning this article a heavy rain has commenced falling, which greatly adds to the misery of the people, as the majority of them are camping in tents hastily made from blankets, sheets, carpets, etc. We have one room in a house which has been considerably damaged, but thus we are sheltered from the rain. Have been sleeping out of doors as the tremors are still prominent, but to-night it looks as if we would be obliged to sleep indoors.
We can better understand now why the Lord permitted our house to be burned eight months ago. If we had been living in that place at the present time we should certainly have been killed, as escape would have been well-nigh impossible. We are grateful to our heavenly Father for His bountiful care. Our past experience was a preparation for the present trial through which we are called to pass.
The loss to the mission will be between $550 and $600. This is not large, but only eight months ago the mission was burned, and we were just getting on our feet again when the catastrophe came.
Our courage in the Lord is good, and we thank Him for a living faith which can take hold of Him in such times of trial. We know of a surety that these things are sure signs of His soon coming, and we also know that if we withstand these trials we shall be strengthened for the yet greater things that are to come. "As thy day is so shall thy strength be," is one of His promises; we rely on these. WM. STEELE.
