All northern Italy from Genoa to Venice was shaken not long
ago by a great earthquake shock. The seismic disturbances
continued at intervals during several days. The people were
terror-stricken, fearing the worst. It was significant that
while the shock was severely felt on both sides of the Adriatic,
it was scarcely perceptible in Venice, due probably to the fact
that much care, forethought and skill had been exercised in
laying the city’s foundations. Every building of importance is
supported by piles driven from sixty to one hundred feet into
the mud of the lagoons.
In character building our only safety lies in sure foundation.
(Text.)
(1142)