Columbia courier. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1902-1905, 1903-08-14
POPE Plus x IS CROWNED
.e7ERs WAS CROWDED WITH
10000 PEOPLE.
.,,dinaI Macchi Placed the Triple
crown on the Head of Venerable
pontiff-Fifty-seven Years Since
last ceremony-Pope Was Wildly
cheered-He Blessed the Audience.

ch.ered-He Blessed the Audience.
Dome Aug. 1O-The ceremony of
.,a coronation of Pope Plus X. took
Mace Sunday in the basilica OF st.
pner's, in the presence of the princes
~ the church and with all the solem-
uitv and splendor associated with this
,he most magnificent rite in the Ro-
IAN Catholic church. AS Cardinal
M.cchi. the dean of the cardinal dea-
cons placed the triple crown on the
Nod of the venerable pontiff, the
tbrong of seventy thousand persons
rothered within the cathedral burst
into unrestrained acclamations, the
choir intoned hymn of triumph and
the bells of Rome rang out a joyful
peal. ..--.
II ia 81 years since the Romans and
Europe assisted at such function as
was held in St. Peters. The great
basilica, popularity supposed never to
have been quite full, was overlooking
with humanity. The papal throne, ow-
ing to a bewildering mixture of gold,
red and silver, was erected in front
of the high altar. AS, contrary to
custom on these ceremonious occas-
ions, there were no galleries, the bas-
ilica bore more of its normal aspect.
On the altar which was dressed in
white, stood the famous silver gold
candlesticks and magnificent crucifix.
All the available standing space with
in the cathedral was divided into Sec
lions by wooden barriers, which, to
certain extent, kept the vast crowd
in order.
When the doors were opened the in
rush was terrific, many who started
from the bottom of the steps outside
being lifted off their feet and carried
into the cathedral. 1t was a great
human torrent let loose, thousands of
people rushing, crushing and squeez-
ing amid screams, protests, gesticula-
tons and cries for help. But once in
the cathedral there was no escape and
the compactness of the crowd proved
to be the safety Of those who were
caught in it. Women tainted in COM
paratively large numbers and even
men were overcome by heat, but no
serious accidents were reported. For
tunately there were very few children
present. After their entrance the peo-
pie had further long hours of waiting,
and 1t is computed that the majority
were on their feet altogether ten hours
before the ceremony began.
The procession was a long time in
getting under way, but afterwards as
1t moved through the magnificent halls
and corridors of the vatican it recalled
former days when all was color and
picturesqueness with the palace. The
pope was the central figure in the long
procession. White robes and the mitre
were worn without an effort, making
vivid contrast to those memorable
occasions on which Pope Leo XIII.
wore them, for Leo seemed always un-
able to support their weight. Over
the pontiff's head canopy was held
by eight men,while the historic ostrich
leather fans with peacock tips gave
touch of barbaric splendor to western
eyes.
Surrounding Pope Plus X. were the
noble guards in new red uniforms and
cleaning helmets and carrying drawn
swords, while in front marched the
cardinals, gorgeous bit Of color with
many handsome faces among them,
the cardinal bishops in their capes,
the cardinal priests wearing chasubles
and the cardinal deacons in the del
mates.
Another figure which evoked muir
murs OF admiration and craning of
hecks was the chaplain in his crimson
cape, proudly bearing the cushion on
which reposed the famous triple crown
~ soon to rest on the head Of Piux X.
ne was accompanied by the pontifical
Jeweler and by special guard COM
posed of Swiss, and was followed by
tne choir of the Sistine chapel. At
the right Of the throne stood Prince
orsini, the assistant to the papal
throne, who withdrew his recent resig-
nation of the post in order to partici.
pate in the function.
besides the pope were the major
aomo, Mgr. Caraino; the master of
'ne chamber, Mgr. Bisleti; the master
vi ceremonies, Mgr. Riggi, and DR..
Lapponi. The pontiff was very pale,
put composed. The low ceiling sent
JACK an exquisite echo of the "Tu
Es Petrus," sung by the Sistine choir,
whose voices were heard outside in the
piazza of st. Peters.
cardinal Rampolla, advancing with
u,ghlty, knelt at the foot of the pope.
He then said:
offer an act Of obedience to your
holiness and wish Won a nrosnarous