The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-08-06
New Pope Receives Pilgrimage
 FIOm the United States
WAS ARRANGED BY GIBBONS
Pontiff Is Described as Being Very Handsome Man, With Pleasant Manners and a Musical Voice.
 Secretary of State Named.

Rome, August 5.-The spirit of "the king is dead. long live the king" which has been repeated through all the long ages on change of sovereigns, was the dominant note today at the vatican among those gathered there not to ac- knowledge an earthly sovereign, but to accept without reserve Pope Plus x as their spiritual king.
 Not only had America enjoyed the honor of first announcing through the Associated Press. the accession Of the present pontin to the chair of St. Peter, but today Americans enjoyed the far greater privelege and honor of being the first among those of many other coun- tries who were to follow to convey to his holiness the homage of nations.
 The American pilgrimage conducted by John J. McGrane of New York and Father Lynch of the Niagara University, Buffalo. N. Y. which left the United States for its pious Journey to Rome to receive the blessing of Leo XIII, arrived while the conclave was sitting. Its mem bers fingered until the election of the new pope was announced and then decided reluctantly to leave today. But it was with tears of disappointment at not hav- ing been able to see the holy father that the pilgrims packed and strapped their luggage and sent 1t to the station. While the desolate band were eating hurried luncheon, preparatory to leaving, MT. McGrane, with radiant face, burst in. waving a paper and almost dancing in his excitement.
 Pilgrims Are Happy.
 You will see him. You will see himF' he cried. Our cardinal has arranged it."
 Cardinal GIL aas had been asked yea- terday to try and arrange for the recep- ton of the Americans, and had promised to do his best at the same time explain ing how unprecedented It would be for a pope, the day after his election, to re- ceive foreign pilgrimage when there were scores of high dignitaries who had not yet been admitted, including even the diplomatic body. Nevertheless, he used his influence with the happiest result and secured the consent of the pope to re- ceive the cardinals countrymen. Their luggage was hastily brought back from
 
 pear in proper apparel, and at 5:45 o'clock this afternoon all were at the bronze doors of the vatican They were met by Monsignor Kennedy, rector of the Amer ican college. whose presence was quite sufficient to make the Swiss Guard step back, present arms and give entrance for all. They trooped up the high stairway, hundred strong and on through the cor riders. bending their heads to pass through the openings in the walls which had been erected for the conclave. Briefs were Still lying about on the flag stones. Through the beautiful loggia of Raphael they passed to the unique hall of in- scriptions, where halt was called for q few minutes. After waiting there was a murmured hush. hushY and two Swiss guards entered from corridor Before the pilgrims could realize it the pope stood among them.
 Description of the Pope.
 Piux x. Is a little taller than Cardinal Gibbons, giving however, the impression of being a mueh larger man. as he is in clined to stoutness. He has abundant gray hair. dark, clear eyes, handsome features and magnificent voice, low in tone, to which is added a peculiar grace due to his musical venetian accent.
 He walked slowly but with the firmness of a young man down the long kneel- Ing line. accompanied by Cardinal Gib- bons and Monsignor Kennedy, and gave to each of the pilgrims his hand to be kissed. He spoke a few words to almost everyone. Piux x. was arrayed com pletely in white, without gleam of color except that which sparkled from the huge emerald on his nnger Cardinal Gibbons was on his right in red robes 1.f loet t.. purple. They were preceded by Swiss guards with halberds and followed by members of the Noble guard The moving group was set off by the kneeling wo- men, who were all in black. The men wore dress suits and the priests black gowns.
 Pope Plus x appeared to be much in- terested when Father Lynch presented to him box containing a white zuc- chetto, saying that i've should be ex- tremely gratihed If your holiness would accept this gift in exchange for the one you wear"
 '1 shall cheerfuily do so." the pope re- piled.
 Presents Are Accepted.
 Thereupon Monsignor Bisletti lifted the zucchetto from the popes head and re- placed 1t with the one which had been presented by Father Lynch. MT. Me NTTdnt ndlutu tO f1iuS A tHt OileT1nBS which the pilgrims had hastily put to- gether after luncheon today.
 The pope spoke especially to the mem- bers of the Lante family of Philadelphia the Rev. John E. Burke pastor of the church of St. Benedict the Moor, New York. and Father Wall who expressly represented Archbishop Farley and the Rev. James Roger Matthews of Wash ington. To Father Burke he gave special benediction for negroes. Oeca- sionally as the pope passed along. he laid his hand on the head of one of the pilgrims. He spoke to aFther Kelly of New York, Father McKenna of New York the Rev James E. Cleary of Read ing. Pa. and to Mir. White of Louisville, Ky.
 MT. White was so touched that he could not restrain his emotion. When Plus reached the persons who were car rying two flags which they waved yester- day at St. Peters. he exclaimed, In Ital- ian:
 Dear. dear America, dear America forty-four stars, eh."
 When he reached the last person in the line ha turned and while all the n7iRrfrns