Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1903-07-25
IN STATE.
P0ps's 0|er Surrounded by
Noble Guard.
Diplomats and Other High Dignitaries
View the eody-Body viii Later Be
Taken to st. Peters, Where People
Will Pay Farewell-Reiatives Take
Their Last Look.

Rome-The body of Leo XIII lies in
the hall of the throne room, few
steps from the room in which his death
took place
The same vestments, the camauro
hood, the rochet and the white gown
which were put on cover the form,
which rests in semi-state surrounded
by lighted candles, the noble guard
and Franciscan penitentiaries.
The diplomatic body, the high digni-
tares and the Roman stocracy, will
enter the hall later to pay their trib-
utes Of respect to all that remains Of
the pope who won the respect and af-
lection Of the world.
Then the body will be arrayed in all
the glory of the pontifcal robes, the
mitre replacing the hood, and at sun
set 1t will be taken into the chapel of
the Blessed Sacrament of st. Peters,
where for three days the public will
be given an opportunity of paying a
last farewell.
The day was notable for the impress
sive ceremonial Of the recognition of
the death Of the pope, which occurred
in the morning in the chamber in
which he died.
Thereafter only those were admitted
who were concerned in the embalming
of the body, an operation which occu-
pied six hours.
Meantime the authorities of the vati-
can proceeded with the preparations
for the funeral and the conclave and
the acknowledgement Of the condo
lences which had been received
Among the latter was notable mes
Throughout the day the vatican was
surrounded by crowds, which increased
toward night.
Several thousand entered st. Peters
at vespers and Joined in prayers for
the departed. Among these were many
Italian officers, whose troops, shortly
after sunset, were marched from the
vatican back to their barracks. At no
time had their services been needed.
1t is not the custom in Italy to wear
the conventional emblems of mourning.
and hence the crowd which, in conse-
quence Of the closing Of many places
Of business, wanders the street has
more the appearance Of an aimless
holiday making throng than one sor-
rowing for the death Of the pope.
Into nearly all the churches, how
ever, hundreds, not often seen in places
of devotion. flocked to vespers to say
hurried prayer. Afterward they loi-
tered outside, reading the deep black
edged proclamations Of Cardinal Res
pighi, the vicar of Rome, concerning
the funeral arrangements, the meeting
of the conclave and the church cere-
mOnials.
The quiet of the evening was broken
by a chorus such as the world has sell
dom heard.
On the stroke Of 8 all of Rome's 400
churches commenced to toll bells for
the passing of the soul of Leo XIII.
From the seven hills and from every
quarter of the city which contained
churches came the constant clang until
all was one vast reverberation.
The harsh Jingle Of the smaller chap
ell bells, striking quicker and oftener,
was not drowned by the solemn strokes
that came in mourning measure from
the great dome Of st. Peters.
1t was as If great fire ragged and
every bell in Rome were vying with
every other in anxiety to warn the
populace. Except in its common mo-
tives and common sorrow it was an
amazing discord, which continued An
hour. and which will recur nightly I'M
til the obsequies are over.