THE EARTHQUAKE RIFT OF 1906 3°9 



It is evident that minor disturbances occur along all the fault lines 

 in California and that but one break comparable to that of 1906 has 

 taken place within historic times in California. This was the earth- 

 quake of 1868. This was far less violent than that of 1906, along 

 the San Francisco peninsula, although extending farther to the south 

 than the other. It may be remembered that the population of the 

 region is now much greater than in 1868, and in like manner, the possi- 

 bilities of mischief on the part of earthquakes has been correspondingly 

 increased. The danger from earthquakes itself is relatively a small 

 matter, but it should be considered in the building arrangements of 

 regions where such disturbances are likely to recur. It is as easy to 

 make buildings virtually earthquake-proof as water-proof, unless stand- 

 ing directly over the fault itself. In this connection we may close with 

 the pertinent words of the engineer, William H. Hall, of San Fran- 

 cisco : " The earthquake has put a definition on the word sham, which 

 seems positively cruel. It has established a value on the solid founda- 

 tion and genuine superstructure which is indeed ennobling." 



It would redound to the moral and spiritual elevation of any com- 

 munity to be assured of a smart shock at intervals and of a real 

 temblor once in each generation. 



