Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-08-04
ELECTION OF A POPE.
Cardinal Joseph Sarto, Patriarch OF
Venice, Selected to succeed
Leo XIII.

Sarto, Patriarch of Venice, ID the sue
cessor of Pope Leo XIII. He was
chosen to the papal throne on the
seventh ballot, which was taken TINS
morning. The new Pope announced
that he would assume the title of Plus
X. Pope Plus X is 6S years OF age
He was born at Riese on June 2, 1889,
and was created Cardinal in 1898. lie
il one of the most learned of the Cardi-
mails and is noted for his liberal views.
II is more than probable that the new
Pone will devote himself to the religious
affairs of the church and will pay small
attention to politics except TO urge CON
ciliatory measures among opposing IN
fluences wherever possible.
1t is learned that Cardinals Herrera.
Cretoni, Langenieux, Couille, Mocenhl
and Syampa were too i'll to go TO the
voting chamber. The crowd that
gathered in st. Peters square this morn
ing was the largest that had assembled
since the conclaye began last Saturday.
Fully Is, 900 people we're there by ten
o. clock and the throng was constantly
being augmented. At 11:2Oa lightsmoke
was discerned issuing from the stoveplpe
over the Sistine chapel. Twenty minutes
later Cardinal Macchi, the secretary OF the
Apostolic Briefs, appeared on the inside
balcony of St. Peters at ll:4O o CLOCK
and made the announcement Later ne
gave it to the crowd outside. The I'M
mense crowd within the church murmur-
ed their appreciation at the news while
the throng outside shouted the name.
Following the announcement the throng
rapidly increased, the people jammllg
through the doorways to await the Pope's
blessing. Five minutes after the an
nouncement the new Pontiff appeared
ON the inside balcony Of the Vatican and
blessed epeople. The usual ceremonies
were observed following the election.
When the count showed that the neces-
sary two-thirds of the total number oil
votes cast had been obtained the doors
of the Sistine chapel were opened by the
Secretary of the conclave, and the masters
of ceremonies were admitted from the
Doyden Colleges. The secretary then
asked Cardinal SartO: "Do you ac-
cent the election?" He received a
reply in the affirmative. All the throne
canopies were then lowered, with the ex-
ception of that of Sarto. The Masters OF
Ceremonies next conducted the new
Pope to the robing closet where he laid
aside the robes of Cardinal and donned
white stocking, red slippers, the long
white tunic, white girdle, white cap and
the red cape of the papal office. He re-
turned to the Chapel and was seated on
chair placed on the highest step ofthe altar
where the Cardinals approached one by
one, kissed the foot and then the hand
of the new prelate and then received the
benediction of the Pope. Pope Plus "
was then given the fsherman's ring,
but he Immediately returned it for the
purpose of having his name engraved
upon it. Sarto is said to be the mar
whom Pope Leo hoped would succeed
him. Sarto brings to his high Office
the character of most attractive modesty
unusual energy and fine qualities as al
administrative officer and organizer.
The announcement scene was wonder
fully impressive First the ceremon
istes appeared on the middle outside
window balcony in front Of st. Peter
and hung out a long tapestry which wa
emblazoned with the papal arms. Th'
crowd in st. Peters square which at thi
time numbered $1,000 people, pressed
forward. They saw cross bearer ap
pear. followed by four figures in full
purple robes of the conclave. Thre
were bareheaded. The other one
wearing red beratter, was recognizes
as Sarto. The cardinal at his RICH
hand was Macchi, who read the proc
Iamation. When the populace got tn,
= word a tremendous shout arose.
ceremonist then beckoned the othel
= to enter the church to receive the papa
blessing. One of the Sarto's first act
today was to visit Cardinal Herrera
= who is slightly better He gave hin
the papal benediction.
Rome. Aug. 4.-Some of the details
of the election of Plus X leaked out thi
evening. Sarto, it is learned, had 81
votes last night 80 his election this
morning was generally expected by The
Sacred College. Even though he knew
this Sarto showed emotion as the ballots
were tailed. As his name was reaC
again and again he turned quite pale
The Cardinals sitting on his right ant
on his left murmured cOngratnlatlon
when the result was apparent. While
the ballot was being verified Sarto lief
his throne and knelt at the altar il
prayer. He was in that position wher
Cardinal Oreglia asked "Do you ac
cept the election?" For a momen
thereafter Sarto's face remained buried
in his hands. Then he raised himsel
: and graveIy gave his acquiscence.
After the ceremoniste had beckoneC
the people to go inside of st. Peters the
, tapestry was withdrawn from the out
side window and let down from an in
side window. Meanwhile the Grove
was swirling through the doOrways
Here a curious incident occurred
Evidently Sarto hesitated whether t.
bless the world from outside or inside st
Peters for the tapestry was again chang
ed. The crowd rushed out again but a
the cloth was once more changed into
the church the people rushed again.
The Pope, robed in white, then came
10 the inside window. He raised his
hand, made the sign of the cross and
three times blessed all in the name Of
the Father, the Son and the Spirit
The u, 200 people who by this time
had succeeded in entering the church