The number of deaths in some of these
instances was enormous.
Numerous thrilling examples of the destructive work of the earthquake
at various periods are on record. Of these we have given elsewhere a
tabular list of the more important, and shall confine ourselves to a
few striking examples of its destructive action. In the record of great
earthquakes, one of the most famous is that which in 1755 visited the
city of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and left that populous, place
in ruin and dire distress. It may be well to recall the details of this
dire event to the memories of our readers.
THE GREAT LISBON EARTHQUAKE
On the night of the 31st of October, 1755, the citizens of the fair city
of Lisbon lay down to sleep, in merciful ignorance of what was awaiting
them on the morrow. The morning of the 1st of November dawned, and gave
no sign of approaching calamity. The sun rose in its brightness, the
warmth was genial, the breezes gentle, the sky serene. It was All
Saints' Day--a high festival of the Church of Rome. The sacred edifices
were thronged with eager crowds, and the ceremonies were in full
progress, when the assembled throngs were suddenly startled from their
devotions. From the ground beneath came fearful sounds that drowned
the peal of the organ and the voices of the choirs. These underground
thunders having rolled away, an awful silence ensued. The panic-stricken
multitudes were paralyzed with terror. Immediately after the ground
began to heave with a long and gentle swell, producing giddiness and
faintness among the people.
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