Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1903-08-07

-
is man of unusual talents and
piety. Immediately upon his cleo
ton be announced his title to be that
of Plus X. Plus TX was the title of
Leo XlIPs predecessor.
The ceremony of the entrance OF
the cardinals into the conclave is al.
ways given as solemn q character as
possible. The Sacred College, num-
bering sixty-two cardinals, the diplo.
matte corps, the Roman aristocracy,
the knights of Malta and few out
siders, especially invited, were present,
with profusion of guards.
After the mass of the Holy Ghost
the cardinals assembled as usual, in
congregation, in the hall of the con-
sistory, where the rules of the con-
clave were read and each cardinal
took the oath to obey them.
After this ceremony the cardinals
hurried away from the vatican, to
return later with more or less articles
which they deem necessary for their
attendance at the conclave. Some
of them made preparations as though
for a years absence, while others
were content to prepare for a few
days solourn at the vatican.
The discomfort which the cardinals
experienced by being shut up in the
vatican was somewhat lessened by the
exceptional weather.
Just outside the door of the chape,
is a small room, where the papal robes
intended for the new pope are kept.
There are three sets of these robes.
large, medium and small, so as to be
able to fit man of any size.
After his election the new pope
retires to this small room outside the
chapel and after changing robes re-
appears and receives the homage of
the princes of the church.
After entering the chapel the one
door was barred and guarded, so that
no intercourse with the outside world
could be had. Even the guards and
attendants we're kept out of the inner
sanctuary, which contained only the
with each his private cell.
Here is how the ballotlng pro-
ceeded. The cardinals, any one of
whom is eligible to the Papacy, all
awoke at an early hour to the ring
ing of loud bell to realize the
solemn business before them. Mass
was said in the Pauline chapel by
Cardinal 0reglis, the camerlengo,
who afterwards administered com
munion to each cardinal. After
this each cardinal celebrated another
mass, either at an altar in the Sala
Ducalo or in his own cell ut a NOV
able altar prepared for the purpose.
Breakfast, consisting of cup of
coffee and rolls followed. This was
taken privately by the cardinals in
their cells.
at 10 o'clock all the cardinals as.
'embled in the Sistine chapel for the
lrst ballot. Six candles on the altar
gave a peculiar light, in conjunction
with the daylight streaming through
and cleaning on the empty throne
soon to be filed, and on the long line
Of seats, with their baldachinos
,canopies) occupied by the cardinals
intent upon the business in hand.
The baldachinos which are raised
over the cardinals chairs in the
chapel are sign that each member
of the Sacred College has a personal
part in the sovereignty of the vacant
apostolic see, but when a pope is
elected they are removed, the new
pontift alone remaining with this
symbol of power.
The cardinals went to the Sistine
chapel accompanied by their con-
;lavists carrying portfolios and
oapers. When Cardinal Oreglia was
all the others following his
prayers were offered, after
which Monsignor Cagiano, the GOV
,rnor of the conclave, called exit
omnes," thus announcing to the con-
'lavists and prelates that thev must
retire and leave the cardinals alone.
Each cardinal in turn, holding his
ballot between his first finger and
numb, so that every one present
could see it, advanced slowly to the
altar. where a large chalice was
tanding, knelt and PRAYED briefly
or guidance, and then, rising, took
he following oath:
81 call God to witness. He who
hall judge me, that elect him who
think should be elected according |
o God. This promise to do also |
n the accessit vote"
The balloting took a very long |
line, as many ofthe cardinals, owing |
o their advanced age and illness,
moved slowly and were obliged to |
ave the assistance of their COL
eagues. After the balloting was
nished the chalice was covered. we'll |
haken, and the ballots were publicly |
NO cardinal received the prescribed
of the votes, until the
lghth ballot. All the ballots were
urned, after each was taken, the
moke being seen from the left side
the piazza of st. Peters. This
lutte signal was watched by large
rowds which it was estimated num-
cred about $4,000. Great disap-
ointment was manifested, and when
ne little puff of smoke appeared,
ldlcating no election, there were
'ud cries not only of disappointment
ut even of derision