The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1895-11-17

etc. In the lofty ceiling were deep-set
panels of gold. In front OF us was
the high altar with handsome Candida
bra and six candles. and various rich
equipments; over 1t was tall canopy
of crimson silk. This was evidently
to be a low mass. as there was no or
gan. and no ARRANGEMENTS for singing,
but through the one open window was
faintly waited to our ears the music
of the high mass being celebrated in
Saint Peters.
Presently the heavy crimson curtains
over the portal nearest the pope's
apartments were drawn aside, and two
members of the Swiss guards, entered
bearing haIberds long axes. followed
by four OF King Humberts soldiers.
The latter were in handsome uniform,
and wore plumed helmets which they
did not remove until the elevation OF
the host. They ranged themselves
about the altar. Others OF the papal
body-guard entered. and were imme-
diately followed by four cardinals, and
two chamberlains supporting the pope
between them.
The appearance of the latter did not
seem to Justify the current report that
he is still strong and vigorous. His
SO years seemed a heavy burden to
carry. He was much bent. considera-
bly, emaciated. and evidently feeble;
and the white cassock. white belt,
white slippers. and the little white
zuchetto on his scalp, emphasized his
paleness and feebleness. He tottered
to the front of the altar and began
the. long ceremonial of the mass
standing all the while. though he had
tasted since the night before.
1t Is not necessary to describe the de-
tails of this familiar eucharistic serv-
ice The voice of the pope was thin
and weak. and at times was scarcely
heard at all: 1t was obvious that he
was much fatigued. After he had fin
ished the half hour mass a chair was
set for him and he participated in an
other long mass by one of the cardi-
nails.
During the celebra ton OF this rite
the audience, IL the people present
should be so termed. were upon their
knees. At any rate they were sup
posed to be. Some refused this con-
cession to the church of Rome, and
sat bolt upright uDon their seats. But
they succeeded In maintaining that at
titude only when they were out or
reach of the more devout participants.
Those who could be got at were COM
PEELED to assume the devotional pos
ture, being sternly taken hold OF, pull
ed down. and made to kneel by physi-
cal force. / attempted to compromise
by sitting on NV heels In the attitude
Familiarity known as the Georgia
SQUAT" but a devout person behind me
gave me an aggressive punch with his
foot under the bench. which took as
a hint and surrendered to the proper
genuection. A tall. eharp-featured
man at my left was not so easily man
aged. The pious regulator attempted
TO reduce him to conformity In the
same way: but the gentleman-who
was indulging also In the Georgia
sauat-gave a sudden and vicious
backward kick under the bench which
must have struck the devotee in some
I sensitive portion Of his anatomy. for.
uttering a slight groan. he immediate
| ly Withdrew and left the sluatter In
| undisturbed sovereignty. This irregu-
lar worshtpper had a wild and wicked
4 look out Of the corner of his eye after
mat. as IL he were waiting for the
representative Z the church militant TO
| come again. He re5oiced my soul ex-
ceedingly. / still wonder whether the
| ununiformed regulator behind was an
| usher. or whether he was merely q SUI
| nerseryiceable zealot willing 10 sacri-
| ,sca himself for others. compelling cere-
moniai conformity by negiecting his
| own PRAYERS
Az me close OF the mass the pope's
chair was placed on the platform fac
Sns the audience. At his immediate
Ieft stood the tall. handsome tutor OF
.he nriace royal of Italy. IN plain
black and around were assembled TIE
cardinals ana ehamoeialns- one o.
these presented the American pilgrims
as they approached generaliy Dy
name. each one knelt. reverently kissed