Evening star., 1902-03-12

intelligence on that matter from Rome. Al
though reports -from-the most authentic
sources represent the ruler Of the church as
in fairly vigorous condition, yet at his
age 1t Is believed that the end may come
quickly and without warning.
The cardinal, while ardently desirous for
the prolongation Of the life Of the pontifr.
wishes earnestly to take part In the con-
clave that will BE calfed at his death, and
which viii elect, his successor. With this
object In view, he holds himself In read
mess to start fo4-Rone as soon as news OF
the pope's death shan have reached this
country, and his-affairs are in such shape
that he viii be able to set out on this
receipt Of the sad news The cardinal could
easily arrive In Rome before the expiration
OF the time In which the conclave would
meet Immediately on the death Of the
days grace are, allowed them to meet to-
gether.
Should Cardinal Gibbons attend the con-
clave he Will be the first American ecclesi-
astlc TO assist at that solemn ceremony. AT
the death Of the last pope, Plus TX, this
country was represented in the college OF
cardinals by Cardinal McCloskey of New
YORK, out the conclave met and elected Leo
10 the papal chair before Cardinal McClos-
Key could get to Rome. The election, there
fore occurred without his participation At
that time circumstances were somewhat
dinerent from what they are at present. 1t
been taken from the pope and occupied by
the King OF Italy, and much talk had been
1ndulged in to the effect that the Italian
government would not allow another pope
to be elected On this account the car
dlnals did not delay, but held the conclave
at once and elected a successor. At this
time the election will meet with no opposi-
tion: and 1t is probable that the sessions
or the college of cardinals will not be be-
gun before the time prescribed by the regu-
lat1ons. To devoted churchman like Car
dlnal GIBBONS it may be conceived that the
dnty OF electing ruler of that church will
be both solemn and joyous occasion, and
one not to be lightly lost. 1t is the only
prerogative of his office which the Balti-
more ecciesiastic has not exercised.
He will be the only American in that
equal chance OF being elected to the office
OF supreme pontiff. Very many Of his fell
low countrymen feel that there will be
present there no prelate more worthy OF
promotlon to the papal chair or more emf
nentiy htted to exercise the office than the
humble, democratic, learned and prudent
baltimore cardinal. While the probability
OF ms election as pope is not In his favor,
sucn an event is not at all an impossibnity,
ana many cogent reasons might be adduced
to prove that he stands well up in the line
OF succession and is the best fitted for
the place.
He has been frequently commended by
the present pope, Of whose liberal policies
ne Is an ardent advocate. He Is the chief
or the hrst see In the great American re-
public. He Is known and admired by the
preiates Of the church as a clear-headed
author OF works Of great moment to the
church, and ne is not concerned in the ami
mos1ties, ambitions and rvalrfes of the
European nations. The effect Of his cleo
ton could not fail to be a good one The
election of any American to such an office
conid not fail to have a revivifying effect
on the cnurch policy and administration
and his election would mean an era Of
progress and glory unsurpassed in the ages
that have gone