A Terrible Earthquake.

Manawatu Standard, Volume 3, Issue 36, 8 January 1883, Page 2

A Terrible Earthquake.

There had been a time' when Cape Haytien boasted the proud title of "Little Paris," says a writer m the Patterson Press. Its charming climate, its unrivalled scenery, its prodigality of riches, its exhaustless sumptnousneßS,madeit a marked and distinguished spot, an Elysium beloved and far-famed. But the evening of May 7, 1842, was a memorable date m the history of this . fair garden. People were eating, drinking, and making merry m their homes. No evil was dreamed of, no suspicion of calamity was entertained, no portentous signs warned them of their peril. Suddenly like a thunderbolt from the clear sky, a terrific noise was heard ; nature was m her convulsive throes ; the foundations of the earth were stirred Men started up with blanched faces, women Bhrieked and wept, children crouched down paralysed with fright. To escape was impossible. Already yawning gaps were seen m the massive walls. The* heavy roofs fell m with a deafening crash, giant buildings tottered and fell,the air was filled with flying timbers and, stones and sickening gases. Alas I Ihe earthquake so common m the West Indies had visited this proud city. In a few minutes 7000 persons, with all their possessions were buried alive under tons oi broken masonry. To us it was a sad and mournful spectacle. What a gloomy and sightless cemetaryl There lay the uncoffined bones of the once rich and powerful and beautiful. No human hands had touchad that monumental pile. Forty years have passed, and to-day the eye of the tourist surveys the same awful desolation that once filled the whole city with crying and bitter lamentation.