The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1903-07-24

while the pontiG's ncphcws remained
In the papal library until they re-
ccived word from the doctors which
announced that his last expiring
breath was approaching. Then they
moved silently within the death
chamber. some standing, some kncci-
ing, all awaiting the awful moment VI
dissolution.
IN the nntc-chnmhcr had assembled
the high ccclesiastics, members Of the
diplomatic corps and representative.
NJ the papal aristocrncy, awaiting the
announcement that the final moment
had come.
Dr.. Lapponi. who almost constantly
had his fingers on the popc's pulse.
felt IL become gradually weaker and
weaker. and NJ the same time the
poniin's %cNtrcmitics began "a get
cold. his lips became blue. his eyes
sank more deeply into the head, his
breathing became even more difficult,
and there were strange ratings In
his throat.
Finally, the pope was asked Ia bless
his ncphcws aud all the others pres.
cnt. lie attempted to raise himself,
aud the extreme cmHciutiun Of his
person. covered with u fine nightshirt,
was rendered more pronounced by
the surroundings.
II was n most solemn moment. Tht
head of the pontin, with It's white
skullcnp no whittier than the fringe
of sliNcry hair. rising above thu
crimson cnNcrlct, his hand raised IN
the familiar gesture Of bcnrdiciion,
the knccling usscmblagc being too
earnestly absorbed In deep Hihiciion.
generation and weeping to even make
a movement.
Profound silence rcignci In the
pupc's bedroom. only broken by the
doctor, rising ~ render their rNpir.
ing patient more comfortable. by Tho
subs uf the c%ycr.fnithful valet. piu
tcutrn. or the murmurcd prayers ~
Mgr. rinrri, the pnpnl confrs,or. him.
self - years of age. who had to Ice ~.
sisted to the hcIsilr.
Prayers N-citrJ for the Dying.
Softly hc rccitcd the prayers fer
the dying. the puuiin at one moment
appearing iu follow them ~ though
conscious Of what WI, Transporting
hut hc could not speak. Then the dy.
ing pope murmurrd something to
himself. IN which those bending over
him heard the words: Father" AMI
Mother
The last conscious act " the pom.
til was Ia turn his eyes toward the
great crucinN ON the wall. after
which he suffered from q pnruNysn,
~ choking, during which he passed
away.
Then the silence 81 nwc.strickc.
asscmblagc was broken los the sonor
aus. solemn voice of Cardinal ScrnGnu
Nnunutclli. the grand pcnitcntiary.
ini"ning the rcquicum uctcrnnm lrcsl
ctcrnaD.
Outside the death chamber cNpccin'
ton was Intense, hut the sight Of the
Borrowing faces uf those leaving the
room WAS sufficient, without words.
Ia spread the sad cWs which wa,
not long In spreading throughout
Rome.
u~crurrrnrrs In Death ,hnmhcr.
The occurrence In the death
chamber Immediately following the
pupc's demise were uf impressive sol
cmnity.
Couri"rs had been dispatched ia
summon those who are delegated I,
perform the first religious offices to
ward the dead pope, and soon m,
chanting Of ,hc Franciscan monk,
WIS heard. ~ iva hy two, In cnur-,
brown habits. aud with snuialcl feet
they proceeded Ia the room In whic'
leo lay dead. From time immcmnria
FrnuciscnnS have been pcniirutiarie,
uf 81, Peters.
Following them came the nobl
guard Ia watch over the puntin's re-,
mains. thc brillinnt Of their uniform,
contrasting strikingly with the som
her attire Of the quantity girhc,
monks and the solemn dignity of III,
chamber itself.
The only sound heard was III,
measured chanting ~ the "salms u
pcnitencc, by n group ~ monks kncrl
ing beside the couch NJ death. III,
noble guards took mp positions at IN,
foot Of the couch aud stood by, rigi,
and silent as statues, with sword.
drawn.
The death chamber preserved mucl
the same appearance Ms II did NJ tn.
time Of the final illness - the popr,
Across the middle Of the room hen,
heavy %drapcries, partly c%onccaliul
the bed on which lay the silent form
Of the dead pon'in. liy the side q
the low bed burned a number ~ can
dies, aud from above looked down IN,
piVturp Of the Mnlpnuu. with th, In