The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-07-20
LONG STRUGGLE Of THE PONT|FF EN[
At 4 O'CLOCK THIS AFTERNOON,

the Intention of Leo XIII was to indicate
Cardinal Oreglia as his successor. They
will certainly have considerable weight
in the decision Of the cardinals who will
take part in the conclave
THOUGHT EDN HAD COME
At ll:40 a. m. there was great alarm
at the vatican, as the pope was suffering
from grave increase of cardiac affec-
ton. DR.. Lapponi really thought the
end had arrived. and Cardinal Serafino
annutelli the grand penitentiary, began
the prayers for the dying and gave abe
pont ffabsolution I'm articulo mortis.
His death was considered so imminent
that all the cardinals were present and
the members of the diplomatic corps were
admitted 10 the sick room. as according
TO the tradition. the pope must die sur
rounded by the Sacred college. the ponti-
fcal court and the diplomats accredited
To the vatican.
Just at that moment a large party Of
American tourists, unaware Of the criti-
cal condition Of the pontiff, ascended the
grand staircase. talking and laughing.
who said: PLEASE do not make any
noise. as the holy father is dying"
This produced great emotion among the
tourists and they Immediately retreated.
WILL HOLD UP DISPATCHES.
The government has decided that when
the popes death is imminent or has ac-
tually occurred IL will hold up all dis
patches until the facts are officially veri-
Heus Wntu illt III st tilitldl Will
he made.
WHAT COULD 1T MEAN7
An attempt 10 gather something regard
ing the popes condition from the EXPIRES
sion on the face OF Contra, the pontfs
valet, as he opened the window OF the
room Of his holiness at daybreak each
morning has for days past been the last
act Of the night watchers i'm the piazza
Of st. Peters before going 20 their we'll
earned rest and being replaced by others
This morning. as usual their eyes were
fixed upon the window. but time passed
and still the shutters remained sealej
Seconds grew into minutes. but still there
was no movement. and this fact produced
indescribsble animation among those
ga thered in the piazza.
What can IL mean?' the people asked.
The pope must have passed away" with
this idea In mind Some sped into the
city. while others less prccipitate besieged
ed. 10 be received by tho surly Swiss
guards who I'm bad Italian told them 20
go away. as they knew nothing OF the
pontiffs condition
The general expression was augmented
by the weather the sky being very much
overcast. producing what is called the
sirocco, which makes one dull and heavy.
and takes away all energy and spirit.
CARDINAL OREGLIA ARRIVES.
As the morning wore on. Cardinal ore
glia. the dean Of the Sacred College
who always he's shown great eagerness
To assume command which. however. ne
cannot do until Pope Leo is actually dead
arrived with considerable paraphernalia
plainly indicating that he had come 20
stay. orucring his carriage 10 go home
and not return.
After him came other princes ot the
church all with grave preoccupied faces.
Whp .cturrtl each others Rr setngs
v.th such expressions as Il nave not
slept ~ all" Cne even was heard % say.
Il thiak vvc ere at the end" "Or the be
ginning" retorted a bystander TO the car