The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-04
ROME ROARS LONG
LIFE TO POPE LEO
Twenty-Fiflh Anniversary Of
His Coronation.
LEO VISITS ST. PETERS
II is Estimated That SeyeniI-Rve Thousand
People Gathered to Witness the Msgnlf-
cent Pageant he Air Rent With
Cries Of Loyalty.
CBy the Associated Press,)

Rome, March S.-From sunrise today
all Rome was on the alert and showing
unusual animation ana interest in the
celeb. alton Of the 25th anniversary Of
the coronation of Pope Leo XIII.
The scene in the Piazza of St Peters
was magnificent. There were assembled
many hundreds of italian troops in
various modern uniforms, making a
striking contrast with the medieval
costumes of the Swiss Papal Guard on
duty at the bronze doors of the catae-
dral.
The crowds, which gathered before the
first Gordon of troops, were impatient
as they stood dripping under the per-
sistent rain. There was a great clash
ing Of umbrellas and a general feeling
OF discomfort among the waiting sight
seers, who included very many women
in most varied attire. comprising for
eigners Of all nationalities and Italians
from all parts Of the country, the uni
formity of the crowd being pleasantly
broken by groups Of sisters in the dit
ferent gowns of their orders, Catholic
students and picturesquely attired friars
When, finally the doors of st. Peters
were opened an almost indescribable
struggle occurred, in 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 We're heard cries of
fear and imprecations not very well
suited to the spot, and the notable re-
Iigious ceremony was about to begin.
Once inside the cathedral the ladies
who wore lace gowns found them to be
ia a much mutilated condition and some
OF the women were carried away in
fainting condition.
The tribunes were son crowded to
Overlooking and all the best standing
places we're taken.
A period Of comparative calm succeed
ed this great rush and the attention Of
the people wGs attracted to the gilded
throne near the high altar and to the
immense pillar OF the basiiica hung with
red silken draperies Some of the
tribunes on each side of the altar We're
filed with men and women blazing with
decorations, among them number OF
royal personages. In special tribune
was the Popes family the diplomatic
corps and the members Of the Order OF
Malta, all IN fuN uhlIOTH'
After an hour of very fatiguing wait
ing a majestic procession began to APP
pear. it was composed Of the great
dignitaries of the church, the forty-fiVe
cardinals present, gorgeous in their red
robes alone making a most imposing,
characteristic and picturesque group.
At II o'clock precisely the great bell
of St. Peters rang out signal which
was followed by the changing of the bells
of the five hundred churches in Rome
as they sounded the announcement that
the pontiff was on his way to the
basilica.
The life of the ancient city seemed
to pause for moment, hats were raised
and the sign Of the Cross was made.
shortly afterwards, inside st. Peters,
silver trumpets blared out their mes
sage and the Pontiff appeared. The
neonle held their breath for a moment
and then all the pent up enthusiasm
burst forth in a tumultuous roar Of well
come.
From his elevation on the new sedia
gestartoria. carried by twelve men IN
costumes Of red brocade, fianked by the
famous fabelli spreading feather fans)
and surmounted by a white and gold
canopy, the Pope appeared to be more
than a human being He seemed to be
white spirit, this impression being
added to by the Pontiff's white robes and
white mitre, delicate features, face white
as alabaster and mis- thin hand moving
slowly in benediction.
AS the sweet toned we'll trained voices
of the slstine choir sang Tu Els Petrus,
thousands Of voices shouted Long Live
pope Leo" handkerchiefs luttered in the
air the banners of the various societies
represented were waved and many OF
those present overcome with emotion,
sobbed loudly while others tainted from
excess of feeling or fatigue. Meantime
the Pope proceeded slowly on what seem
ed a carpet of heads absorbing the en-
tire attention of the vast throng
When the Pope arrived at the throne
the ceremony proceeded rapidly. Leaving
the sedia gestatoria, the pontiff knelt
and prayed and then rose without as
sistance. donned the falda and the new
triple crowd, and the celebration of the
mass began. At the moment of the ele-
walton Of the host a profound silence
fell on the assemblage, the guards pre-
scented arms, the people lInelt, where it
was possible for them to do so, and from
the cupola came the clear, thin sounds
of silver trumpots, giving the idea Of
heavenly music
The Pope then administered the papal
benediction and retired to room for
restoratives. prepared on purpose every
time he goes to st. Peters. There, ad-
dressing DR.. Lapponi, his private person
the Pontiff said: "You see, that after
all your warnings the ceremony did me
good What touching loyalty.
When the Pope returned TO the Vaticah
from the basilica he resumed his place
on the sedia gestatoria and was carried
through the whole length of the Cathed-
raj. rising erect many times to besto"
blessings, while many Princes, cardinals,
diplomatic and bishops bowed low ana
tho crowd saluted him frantically.
When the Pontiff had departed the PEG
pie Immediately left St. Peters, but asl
it was still raining heavily there was
much difficulty and confusion in obtain
ing carriages.
However. in three quarters Of an hour
the piazza was deserted.