Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-09
THE RECEPTION TO CARDINAL GIBBONS.

lowed and took seat at his right. To the
Lett OF Cardinal Gibbons we're Bishop Phe-
Ian, OF Pittsburg and Bishop McGoyeru.
Of Harrisburg.
BLESSING OF THE SWORDS.
The ceremonies were begun with tn bless
ing of the swords of the knights .f st.
John. The knights in uniform marched
into the room single file and were lined up
on three sides of the room. The swords were
placed upon a stand in front of the Cardl-
nal, and as each mans name was called he
stepped forward. Cardinal Gibbons placed
his hand upon the hilt of the sword, while
the Knight knelt and kissed the Cardinals
ring, Alter this ceremony ended the
KING hts marched out and took positions in
different parts of the house to assist in car
ing for the crowd.
The reception committee formed in the
center of the room in position to keep the
crowd moving, the doors were opened and
the immense throng began slowly to pass
before the Cardinal. Among the first to
pass were Messrs. 7. j. O'Leary, Jr., and
Roger O'Mara. AS the people entered they
were told that the Cardinal did not expect
them to kneel, merely to take his hand.
Thus they were able TO keep on the move
and only occasionally one more devout than
the others would kneel at the Cardinals
feet and ask for his blessing. THIS did not
often occur and the people kept passing,
sometimes as many as 40 shaking hands
with Cardinal Gibbons in minute.
Shortly after the reception began the pro-
cession was interrupted for a moment while
Rev. Father Sheedy elbnwed his way to the
presence o! the Cardinal, when he intro
duced Rev. E. R. Donehoo, who said he
was an admirer of the man. After a mo-
ment's talk Father Sheedy and Mr.. Done
hoo returned to the back parlor and held a
short in ,ormal reception with all the priests.
The condition of Ireland, politically, was
the chief theme for conversation, and all
seemed to deplore the present state of affairs.
A HANDsHAKISG ALL AROUND.
The crowd soon broke up the little party
and forced the priests into 4 handshaking
all around. All the reverend gentlemen
had friends in the crowd and they could not
withstand the temptation to stop for
moments talk with their favorites. The
Reception Committee found it impossible to
clear the room fast enough and the services
OF q stalwart policeman were demanded.
He took position near the door and kept
the people moving on through the corridor
and out the side door into the court yard
aud thence on to the street. The priests who
were not assisting in the reception went to
other rooms away from the crowd, where they
proceeded to enjoy themselves in couversa-
tiun.
There were scores OF Protestauts who at
tended the reception, and, though many
doubtless did it through curiosity,
others had great admiration for the man.
One lady stepped up to one of the local
priests with whom she was acquainted and
said:
I'm a Protestant, but I've always been
anxious to shake hands with the Cardinal.
have often heard him talk while in Balti-
more, but never before had an opportunity
10 speak to him."
Oae OF the priests had introduced the lady
and she :elt greatly pleased. Many Others
were introduced personally to Cardinal Glib
bons, though the majority were satisfied
with hearty hand shake
Judge Thomas Ewing was unable TO be
present, but sent his regrets TO the dis
tlnguIshed churchman. Other well known
gentlemen who could not appear In person at
the reception sent their cards.
1t appeared as though an endless throng
was passing In and out of the building.
Every once in while a person standing in
the rear parIor could recognize one who had
made his second trip through the room and
passed the Cardinal.
LONG AND CONTINUED MARCH.
For over an hour and half the march
continued without cessation. At first the
people moved very slowly, but the Cardinal
was not feeling well after his hard work of
the past few days and suggested that the
people be made to pass on more rapidly.
Notwithstanding his slight indisposition he
remained at his post until the last man had
passed, and none who were anxious to see
their leader were disappointed.
The great churchman was impartial in
his reception, but perhaps he bestowed more
attention on the extreme aged than upon
those who have not spent SO MANY wears in
the church. The old ladies seemed especi-
ally pleased that they should be honored by
seeing the Cardinal and let the house wear
ing'a happy smile OF satisfaction.
In the crowd were people who had come
from nearly all the towns of this section OF
the State, while Ohio and West Virginia