EARTHQUAKE IN MANILLA.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 87, 4 September 1863, Page 5 (Supplement)

EARTHQUAKE IN MANILLA.

(Eromthe Sydney Morning ' Herald, Aug. 18.) . from the Biario'dojManila.) ;/ .Manilla.. June 6, i 863. ■We take the pen under »the influence of the stupor which, is felt by all of the inhabitants of Manilla, to record the horrible disaster of the 3rd j instant, which will eternally remain "raved in her history. as one of the greatest calamities ever experienced. Our readers know to , well, unfortunately,- the details of the catastrophe that a}l bewail, and which, has plunged into mourning many and lnany a family. "We confess ingenuously that, in the condition of mind in which we find ourselves, we do not know if we shall be able to arrange our ideas! We have an example in the history of the Philippines of an earthquake whose effects were as terrible as that just taken place. In 1645, occurred the greatest of which the history of the place speaks. In that perished hundreds of people — five of the most notable of the population, four clergymen and eight collegian 0 . The cathedral, government house, the churches of St. Domingo, St. Thomas, Parian, Burondo, and St. Francisco, hospitals and other buildings, were thrown into a mass of ruins. The church of St. Augustin escaped, as it has on this occasion.

Jt is impossible to describe the spectacle of desolation the city presents. The cathedral, the palace, tobacco factory, custom house, Government offices, and nearly all the churches, with their towers, are a heap of ruins, or threatening every minute to fall. The best houses have all suffered much, and none have escaped without more or less damage, and the worst danger is that those walls still standing are, in many places so ricketty that a slight repetition of a shock, or even a severe fall of rain would be sufficient to bring them down, and this the authorities will have especially to guard against. The personal accidents are many, and the accounts we receive from all quarters heartrending. All that can be done here will be little towards repairing the calamity. From the Government must come the principal assistance, and from other provinces of our country, when they hear of our terrible calamity ; and we have hope in the firm and decided policy of our first authority. A council was held yesterday, presided over by his Excellency the Captain-General, at which measures were resolved upon, prompt and decisive ; and it must not be lost sight of that, as Manilla is the heart that gives life to a large body, the loss reflects on all the provinces of the islands. The result of the deliberations form subject of congraulation /that our authorities well understand their mission.

We are not visionaries ; we do not seek to darken the picture that Manilla presents. Alas ! what exaggeration is needed in our case ? From all parts wander whole families seeking shelter — remaining in the streets without clothes to cover them. Nevertheless, we have to thank Providence, for it is almost certain that had the earthquake continued two seconds longer, there would not have remaned one stone above another (pierfra sofre piedra). In continuation, we give the proclamation of the Captain-General : — " INHABITANTS OF MANILLA ! " Deeply moved : To you I to-day direct my voice. The accidents and sufferings occasioned by the earthquake, experienced last night, will be sorrowfully recorded by the present generation as the darkest page in the history of the Philippines. Ou every side to which we direct our views in the city and its extensive environs, we encounter nothing but rjin and desolation. Inhabitants of Manilla! the authorities are watchful for you, and find on all hands a disposition to assist and to procure a return of all to their ordinary occupations, and we must all endeavor to to restore the calm to this afflicted community. " I have much satisfaction iv the exploits of those who have worked in saving those buried in the ruins of the fallen edifices. The authorities, ecclesiastical, civil, and military, all have rivalled in self-abnegation and zeal, and rendered their Services wherever necessary, greater even than all owe Queen and country. To-day is demanded of us chanty extraordinary. We must show in our hearts sweet and Christian sentiments in favor of the victims of the calamity, and give our help, Avherever necessary, and beg of the God of Pity His benediction on our efforts for the repair of the interests of the state and of individuals. " Rafael Edaque. " Manilla, June 4." Jn'cbntinuation, we give particulars of tbe unhappy event. It was on, the evening of the 3rd inst. at twenty-five minutes after seven (hour and roiuute marked by the stopping of most of the clocks by the earthquake), that two or three violent shocks took place, apparently from S. to N., and others in the opposite direction (or a circular movement, asattested by many) with a prolonged subterranean noise, accompanied by the crash of falling building, cries of wounded and buried victims, sounds of bells — in fact, a confusion of sounds enough to freeze the blood in the veins of the calmest and bravest; and from the bay and Vessels in the river was seen a flairie that seemed to envelop the whole city for half a minute, more or less '.(the duration of the earthquake).

To th s anguish of the first moments succeeded a general panic— all seeking a place of refuge for themselves orrelktives ; added to which the natural sorrow at being unable to render assistance to those buried beneath the ruins. Half an hour later, the authorities, aided by the troops of the garrison, officers of engineers, aided by the

neighborhood, "worked with; ardour'in saving many of the buried and wounded' r lhe fall of the- cathedraT occurred during the celebration of a mass. Of ten canons officiating seven cerished.The palace '- has suffered so muchthat a complete demolition is necessary,'' as the walls are insedure. (Here follows a list of chm-ches and 'buildings destroyed.) ' No foreign residents were.ldlled, and only one gentleman (of- the .house of' Tillson, Hermann and Co.)twounded»