Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury [Connecticut]) 1903-1917, 1903-08-06
dR1epc, BIssET & HOLLAND.

! Cardinal Gibbons had been asked to
| try to arrange for the reception of the
Americans ana had promised to do his
best, at the same time explaining how
unprecedented 1t would be for d pope
so soon after his election to receive a
foreign pilgrimage when there were
scores Of high dignitaries who had not
yet been admitted, including even the
diplomatic body. Nevertheless he used
his immense influence with the hap
piest result and secured the consent Of
the pope to receive his fellow country
men.
Their luggage was hastily brought
back from the station in order that
they might appear III proper apparel at
the bronze doors of the Vatican. There
they were met by Mgr. Kennedy, rector
of the American college, whose pres
ence was quite sufficient to make the
Swiss guard step back. present arms
and give entrance to oil.
Through the Beautiful loggia Of Raph.
ael they passed to the unique hall Of
Inscriptions where halt was called
Every heart was f1uttering, every pulse
beating highly as they waited moment
after moment, but still the holy father
did not come. Guards gathered and
strangers passed to and fro Cardinal
Gibbons, Mgr, Kennedy and Mgr. Bis
lett disappeared. The poor pilgrims,
who numbered about hundred, wait
ed on as though they had been aba1l-
doned. Suddenly there was a muir
INJURED flush, hush!'' and they saw
two Swiss guards enter from a CORR
! DOR Before they could quite realize 1t
the pope stood among them. Piux X
Is little taller than Cardinal Glib
bons, giving, however, the impression
Of being much larger man, as he is
inclined to stoutness. He has abun-
; dant gray hair, with no sign of bald
ness; dark, clear eyes, handsome fea-
! lures and magnificent soft voice, to
which is added a peculiar grace due to
nIs muslcaI veneuan accent. Ills
whole person evidenced great benignity
and cordiality.
He walked slowly, but with the firm
ness Of quite a young man, down the
long kneeling line, accompanied by
Cardinal Gibbons and Mgr. Kennedy,
and giving to each of the pilgrims as
he passed his hand to be kissed He
spoke few words to almost every one.
Plus x. was arrayed completely in
white, without CLEAN of color except
that which sparkled from the huge
emerald on his finger. Cardinal Glib
bons was on his right in red robes and
Mgr. Kennedy on his left in purple
The pope spoke specially to the
members of the Lante family of Phila-
delphia, Father John g. Burke, pastor
of the Church of ST. Benedict the Moor
of New York, and Father Wall, who ex-
pressly represented Archbishop Farley,
and to Father James Roger Matthews
Of Washington. To Father Burke he
gave a special benediction for the col
ored people. Occasionally as the pope
passed along he laid his hand upon the
head of one Of the pilgrims. He spoke
to Eugene Kelly Of New York, Father
McKenna of New York, the brother Of
Mgr Kennedy Father James e. Cleary
Of Reading Pa, and to Mr.. White of
Louisville, Ky. The latter was SO
touched that he could not restrain his
emotions When Plus reached the per-
sons who waved two American flags
| yesterday at st. Peters and who were
carrying them he exclaimed: "Cara,
cara, America-dear America! Forty
| four stars. eh?'