Telegraphic communication was destroyed and the news came by messengers. Instantly energetic measures were taken for the relief of the sufferers. A dozen doctors, full ambulance corps, a huge quantity of medical, surgical and other hospital supplies were rushed to the scene; police, engineers, fire brigades and soldiers were also sent and the King, accompanied by his uncle, Dom Affonso, were on the spot as quickly as special trains and automobiles could carry them after they received the news. The parliament voted unanimously $100,000 to be at once available for the relief of those needing it, and great quantities of provisions were sent to the afflicted district. The shock here in Lisbon upset a small lamp in a shrine in a private house, setting it on fire. The King and Dom Affonso were there almost with the arrival of the firemen. Too much praise cannot be given to the cool, clear-headed, swift and effective aid extended, especially in view of the fact that Lisbon was utterly panic-stricken. The usual idiots had issued predictions that another and greater shock would occur in twenty-four hours. Two light shocks, at 2 o’clock and 6 o’clock the morning of April 24, and the fearful news from the Trans Tagus made terror yet greater. Thousands had passed the night in the streets. In the Avenida, in front of this Consulate, many hundred richly dressed women slept out under shelters made from the park benches and chairs with shawls and rugs stretched over them to make a sort of roof. Amid this universal terror and fear everyone in authority gave evidence of coolness and energy. The newspapers used their heaviest type and great headlines for rational arguments to reassure the people; all parties in parliament praised the generous and energetic action of the King and the government, and the longest speech made in that body yesterday was devoted to counteracting the panic. There is no seismographical observatory or instruments in Portugal, but the scientists have come out with quieting explanations of what has happened and advised that all should think only how to relieve those who had actually suffered. I repeat that too much praise cannot be given for the able manner in which Portugal is handling the whole matter. The last earthquake shock felt in Lisbon occurred in August, 1903, but was much less severe than this. Prior to that there was a shock in 1859. I have spoken with two gentlemen who were then here and they tell me it was not anything as severe as this. The whole lower city is built on made ground, filled in after the great earthquake of 1755, and in case of a severe shock great damage might be done there, but the new city is built on rock and all houses are built with a special view to withstanding earthquake shocks, having a skeleton of peculiarly and skillfully interlaced timbers that gives great elasticity and at the same time resistance.