Terrible Earthquake

IN FRAITCS AND ITALY.

Widespread Death and Deso-

lation.

London. February 23

Intelligence of a terrible nature has just been receired here from the South of Europe, which has been the scene of a roost destructive earthquake, spreading death and desolation in all directions. The news at present to hand is of a very vague description. The first intimation of the disaster came from Nice, where two severe shocks of earthquake were experienced about six in the morning. The shocks were preceded by a sound as of distant rumbling, which seemed to grow in intensity until the earth trembled with terrific violence, the agitation increasing, and culminating in a shock of calamitous force. Half-naked people rushed from their houses into the streets. Women and infants, attended by terrified children, hurried alone, screaming in chorus, imploring the Deity to help them. Amidst a scene of the wildest and most indescribabltt disorder, a sudden and terrible termination was put to the earth agitation. The ground, which had apparently been receding from under the feet of those who were attempting to fly from the impending doom, was, as by a magic spell, forced into tranqui ity, and the next instant the houses rocked, and were torn as if by a mighty unseen force, and then fell to the ground, killing some and injuring a great uumber of the terror-stricken people. Large crowds of visitors, who were staying in the town, of whom many were from England, have fled, but whether any of them were in* jured cannot yet be ascertained. The next news came from Cannes, where the Prince of Wales has been staying for so me days past. Information from that city states that the shocks were experienced there with astounding severity, and much damage has been done. The Prince of Wales escaped without injury. The shocks ware felt with full violence at Monaco, where rocks were split into atoms, while huge pieces were hurled a considerable distance with death-dealing force. Some splinters were shot forth with meteoric force, rapidly wrecking the houses or falling into the sea with a deafening noise.

A great sensation was caused at Monte Carlo, where, although not with like force 113 at other places, the. shocks had the effect of driving the whole populace almost frantic.

At Genoa the people assembled in the streets, and prayed with heart-rending fervor.

The town of Dianonarina is reported to be almost totally destroyed, and Oneglia, a town 55 miX'S south-west of Genoa, and the town of Noli Albissoli have suffered to a great extent.

The latest news that has been received states that 1500 persons have been killed and wounded.

Lokdon. February 24. A Prediction Fulfilled.

It is stated that Rudolpho, in bis table of eclipses, predicted that there would be earthquakes on the occasion of tbe eclipse of the sun, which has just taken place.

Later. Pabis, February 24.

Several slight shocks of earthquake were again experienced this morning, at Nice, Cannes.

Rome, February 24.

Tbe panic in connection with the earthquake still continues in Rivera, where fhe residents and visitors are camping in the Rqmres of the town, and villagers are flocking to the railway stations. Distressing Scenes. The earthquake extended over all Southern France and Centra] Italy, and was especially severe in Genoa and Port Maurizo.

Many residents of Nice are camping in the streets.

Visitors to Italian watering places fled by the railway, or took refuge on shipboard.