Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-20
G[|TTER|NC SPLENDOR
Marked the Great Jubilee of
Pope Leo Today.
MRS. AND MISS CHOATE
AMONG AMERICANS WHO At
TENDED THE FESTIVITIES.
His Holiness Completed the Dazzling
Functions of the Day Without
Undue Fatigue.

ROME. February 2O.-'It seems impossi.
BILE that 1t is twenty-five years since 1 have
been there" was Pope Leos exclamation as
he looked from a window OF his apartments
this morning into the sunlit piazza of st.
Peters.
This was the pontlff's only reference TO his
long term Of self-imposed imprisonment in
the Vatican. during which he has never
gone beyond the palace grounds and st.
Peters. which is considered to be a part of
the Vatican.
What glorious morning for the jubilee
OF my pontificate," the pope added as he
proceeded with evident pleasure to peruse
the almost iEnumerable kilograms. letters
and addresses Of congratulation which have
reached the Vatican from all parts of the
world.
In the Hall Of Beatification.
The hall of beatificatio above the portico
OF st. Peters, where the pontiff held his
jubilee reception, presented a brilhan. scene
1t was beautifully hung with antique bro-
cades and illuminated by thousands of elec-
trio lights and wax candles.
The boxes lining the long, narrow hall
were filled to their capacity with members
OF the roman aristocracy. diplomats, wo-
men with black veils men in evening dress
and monks and sisters in varying garb
Papal Guards in Bright Uniforms.
Here and there groups of papal guards in
bright uniforms lent color to the whole
Notable among the diplomats was Count
Almodovar, head of the special mission sent
to represent the king of Spain at the 1ubi-
lee.
The struggle to get into the hall was ter
rifle People were swept off their feet and
women were overcome, but no one was real
ly injured.
The babel of tongues raised in protest
testified to the worldwide character of the
gathering.
Americans Present.
Among the Americans present were Bish-
ops Maurice Burke of st. Joseph, Mo-, and
Edward Dunno of Dallas, Tex; Fathers g.
P. Mcdonnell and Hugh O'Gara McShane
of Chicago. ILL.,, and Thomas O'Gara of VII.
mington, ILL.,; Mrs. and Miss Choate and r,
L. Johnson.
There was long and tedious wait before
the ceremony commenced and the audience
was growing restless when suddenly 4
great roar Of Long live Leo!" and Long
live the pope-king" announced the arrival
of the pontiff
Pope in Gorgeous Robes.
His holiness was borne in the sedia gesta-
toria on the shoulders Of eight men habited
in red brocade.
The pope himself wore gorgeous robes ana
had the triple crown on his head.
He bestowed his benediction right and left
as he passed through the cheering con-
course, whose enthusiasm was so great and
whose desire to touch the hem of the pope's
gown was so intense that the presence Of
the guards seemed really necessary for his
protection.
In a procession, surrounded by such a
brilliant escort of prelates aristocracy and
guards, Pope Leo always appears at his
best. His feebleneSS and bent form are
hidden, and the public sees only the veu-
cradle patriarch, with cameo-lke features
and kindly smile.
Happiest Day of His Life.
The pope completed the functions of his
jubilee today without undue fatigue. Upon
returning to his apartments he exclaimed:
This is really the happiest day of my
life ~