The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-03-03


Rome was showing most unusual anima-
tion and interest in the celebration OF the
25th anniversary OF the coronation OF
Pope Leo Kill This movement was es-
pecially noticeable at the large hotels
which were Illuminated as though for a
ball.
An idea OF the number OF tho people
congregatng at the Vatican could be
formed from the fact that IL was utterly
impossible TO get a hack II the vehicle
had not been ordered yesterday, especial
ly since IL was raining, and by the prices
charged for those secured in advance.
When finally the doors OF st. Peters
were opened an almost indescribable
struggle occurred. I'm which all present
forgot the rules OF politeness and strove
hard with push of elbows and feet to
reach the Interior Of the sacred edifice,
while on all sides were heard cries of fear
and imprecations not very we'll suited to
the spot where notable religious cere-
mony was about 10 begin.
Once inside the Cathedral the ladies
who wore lace gowns found them TO be
In a much shutilated condition and some
OF the women were carried away in n
faintlng condition. The tribunes were
soon crowded TO overfowing and all
the best standing places were taken.
After an hour OF very fatiguing waiting
a majestic procession began to appear Ia
was composed OF the great dignitaries Of
the church. the 45 cardinals present. gor-
geous In their red robes. alone making a
most imposing, characteristic and pic
turesque group.
At IL o'clock precisely the great bell OF
St Peters rang out signal. which was
followed by the changing OF the bells or
about 800 churches in Rome, az they
sounded the announcement that the pom
tiff was on his way TO the basilica.
The life OF the ancient city seemed 10
pause for a moment. hats were raised
and the sign OF the cross was made.
shortly afterwards inside 81. Peters sil-
yer trumpets blared out their message,
and the ponun appeared. The people heIu
their breath for "a moment, and then all
the pent-up enthusiasm burst forth IN a
tremendous war OF welcome.
From his elevation on the sedia gesta-
toria, carried by II men I'm costumes OF
red brocade, fiankod by the famous fla
belli tspreadlng feather FANS. and sur
mounted by a white and gold canopy.
the pope appeared 90 be more than a ht
man being. lie seemed 20 be white
spirit this impression being added 20 by
the ponufs white robes and white mtrc,
delicate features, face as white as ala
baster and his thin hand moving slowly
I'm benediction. II almost seemed as n
All human attributes had been expelled
from that slender. venerable form.
As the swect-toned. well-trained voices
~ the Slstine choir sang 'Tu rs Petrus
thousands OF voices shouted Long live
Pope Leo" Handkerohiefs nuttered in
the air. tho banners OF the various so
cieues represented were waved and many
ton. sobbed loudly, while others tainted
from excess OF feeling or fatigue
In the meanwhile the pope proceeded
slowly on what seemed 20 be carpet or
neads. absorbing the entire attention OF
the vast throng
When the pope arrived az the throne
the ceremony proceeded rapidly Leav-
Ing the selia gestatoria the pontiT knelt
and prayed and then rose without as-
sistance and donned the falda and the
new triple crown. The celebration OF
the mass then began.
AZ the moment OF the elevation ~ the
host silence fell on the assembiage. the
guards presented arms, the people knelt.
whore IL was possible for them To DO %
and from the cupola came the clear. thin
sounds OF silvery trumpets, giving the
idea OF heavenly music.
The pope then administered the papal
benedictieB.- -af4a-Eet4Hed TO -Heesf-fes
restoratives. prepared on purpose every
time he goes 10 ST Peters. There. ad-
dressing Dr. Lapponi. his private physi-
clan. the pontif said
You see. that after eli your warnings
the ceremony did me good. What touch
lrv lcvalty."
y " calculated that there were about
:. n setD.e present There we're about
lVs AMERICANS IN the tribunes and the
bsdr OF the church. The transatlantic
vi<ittrs present included Monslgnor KEN
nsiy. rector of the American college az