The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1875-04-21
Our American Cardinal.

HOW HE WAS INDICTED INTO OFFICE-THt
CEREMONY OF CONVERTING THE TUCHET.
To-sPEECHEs BY COUNT MAREFosCHI
MosIGNoRE RoNCETr1, AND CARDINAL
M'CLOSKEf.
The official announcement of his ele-
walton to place in the College of Car
dinals was made to Cardinal McCloskey
yesterday at his residence, at the corner
of Madison Avenue and Twenty-sxth
street. By form of idea, produced by
the usage of the Church, adopted long
before the telegraph was conceived or
even electricity was known, he was Of
ticially supposed to be ignorant of the
fact until the messenger arrived
Those persons who read the cable tele-
gram sent by Cardinal Antonelli an
nouncing the preconization of Arch
bishop McCloskey as a Cardinal may be
disposed to combat this statement; vet
the truth is that although that telegram
bore the signature of the Papal Secreta-
ry OF State, it was not "official" in the
sense that the announcements made
yesterday are. 1t was simply prelim-
| mary notice, meant as a guard against
that surprise which would be caused in
the mind of the venerable head of this
diocese and his flock if the ENJOYS OF
His Holiness should arrive unheralded
THE OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
| therefore, was made to Cardinal Nc.
Closkcy yesterday, and some of the in
sigma of his new rank were then pre-
sented to him. The only other article
needed to make up his full dress as a
Cardinal-namely, the cappello-His
Emintnce must receive from the hands
of the Pope himself. The capello is the
1at-topped. wide-brimmed hat, from
which depend two large tassels, and
which is worn by a Cardinal on the
grandest occasions.
! THE ACTORS IN THE. SCENE.
Soon after the spectators were assem-.
bled the Cardinal Archbishop appeared
i'll the doorway, saiuted them and was
respectfully greeted. He wore simply
a purple soutane, his amicc OF gold ant
the large dependent crucifix. His hea(
was covered with a purple beretta. III
crossed the salon lengtllwise and took 6
place ut the center of the east side-the
head of the room. The cIergymen tool
up positions at either side of His Emf
nence, in the arc of Il eli Gle, and the lay
gentlemen ranged themselves along the
sides OF the apartment. Soon after the
Cardinal Archbishop had taken hi;
place, Father Farley, his Secretary, an.
nounccd the approach of Count Mare,
toschi, of the Guardia Mobile. This of
ticer entered with rapid. soldiery step
He was attired in the uniform of the
Guard, and being wonderfully erect
made most soldier-like appearance
His dress was of blue, heavily embroid.
cred with gold. At his side he wore a
dress sword and upon his head very
handsome hemlet, whose crest is gill
and terminates with lions head. His
hands and wrists were incased in gaunt.
lets. As he entered he did not uncov.
er, but made a military salute to the
Cardinal. He then advanced rapidly tc
the center OF the apartment, where he
saluted His Eminence again, and on 60
ing nearer to the venerable prelate he
saluted him a third time. Having been
recognized, he began the speech to His
Eminence explanatory of his presence.
The speech was in Latin, and very fe-
licitous.
| COUNT MAREFOsCHI's REMARKS.
He announced first that he was the bear
er Of the official announcement to the
Archbishop Of his elevation to the Cardi-
nalate, and having added some words of
congratulation to his Eminence, be hand
ed that prelate a letter, of which he was
the bearer, from Cardinal Antonelli, and
and also the zllcettO-a scarlet skull cap.
I The substance of his remarks were:
Il have the honor to be the bearer from
our Hnly Father Of the first official an
nouncement to you Cardinal McCloskey
of Your elevation to place in the College
of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Catholic
Church, and it is my precious duty to pre-
sent to you part of the insignia of your
| high place"
He then expressed his delight at the ell
ovation of his Elninence to the new digni-
ty, and said substantially, in conclusion,
that while the Archbishop of New York
was honored by the Holy Father the en-
must be assured that upon them is confer
| by the head of that Church to which they
are so faithful. Count Marefoschi after
ward handed to his Eminence the letter
and insignia alluded to. The zuccetto
was inclosed in red morocco case, and
| rested upon dome-shaped cushion of red
velvet.
THE CARDINALS RESPONSE.
Taking his cap which is sometimes call
ed berritino, Cardinal McCloskey placed it
carefully over the crown of his head and
then began his reply to the speech of the
noble envoy of the Pope. He also spoke
in Latin, aud used the words of that Ian
guage fluently and with an elegance that
is seldom discerned, even in the works of
the best modern writers, who have crys-
talized their thoughts in the tongue Of old
Rome. The Cardinals remarks contin-
ued for about quarter of an hour. In
substance he said
II am thankful for the honor which the
Holy Father has conferred upon me--the
more SO that it is an honor to which !
never aspired. l am grateful not only for
the great mark of kindness which the Ho-
ly Father has given me, but also for the
honor which the act Of investing me with
new dignity reflects upon the Catholics of
America. In my own name, in that Of the
Archbishops Bishops, and clergy generally
and in that of the great Catholic popula-
ton, l am grateful to our Holy Father;
and for you, Count Marefoschi, / feel a
deep love, as the bearer to me Of tidings
fraught with SO much pleasure for me and
for all Catholics.
While this speech was in the course of
delivery Count Marefoschi stood in the
military attitude of attention. He kept
his right hand uplifted to his helmet until
the remarks were ended, and thsn drop
ping it while concluding the half made
salute, he turned and walked briskly to a
place near the door. There he stood I'M
til the ceremonies were ended. As he took