The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-07-06

chest and the accompanying dificuity of breathing are merely the results of ex- treme weakness, As soon as he saw me. His Holiness repeatedly requested me to turn my attention to the best means of restoring his strength, which. he said, was all he required. except q little fresh air. Now and then the Pope has re- course to his inveterate habit of snuff taking saying that he fnds 1t very re- freshing.
 The weakness of the patients pulse and his short and irregular breathing, gradually approaching to gasping, are the only external symptoms of any seri- ous nature. But. as I said before the Pope this morning was full of spirit and would not take grave view of his own case. When left him. His Holiness said: Come again soon. I will try to give you a better reception''
 During the afternoon the strength of the Pontiff began to fail him so rapidly and his condition became so critical that 1t appeared that only few hours of his life remained to him. It was, therefore. deemed wise to advise him of his grave condition. and this was done with tender precaution.
 Pope Leo was thus prepared for his last communion, which was administered to- night with the participation of all the Cardinals now in Rome and the whole of the pontineal court. The solemn yet xor. seous ceremony of administering the last sacrament took place at the bedside of Pope Leo. The central figure was the dy. ing pontif. whose long life's journey 10 nearly over. calmly preparing to enter the dark valley. His pale and emac.ated face. almost as white as the pillows on which it rested, showed little sign of life except the keen glittering eyes, always his most striking feature. Around the bed were grouped the noble guards in their glittering uniforms. the Knights of the Cloak and Sword. in their picturesque medieval costumes of black with white ruffs. twenty-five Cardinals. all the mem bers of the sacred college, who are pres ent in Rome, stately and venerable fig. ures in their sweeping crimson robes, the whole forming a scene of rich, yet sub dued coloring, At subject for the pencil of Rembrandt. rE-.s bsss
 The whole of what fs called the pontis fcal family, headed by Cardinal Ram polla, and including all the private cham berlains. were there. Nearest to the bed stood the imposing tall figure of the Car dinal Grand Penitentiary. serafino Vannutteii. with the Pope's confessos, to hear the last sad confession of the depart- ing pontiff. Then the priest apostolic ap-
 
 the last communion. and another tho ex- treme unction, assisted by the Grand Pen.tentiary. --'' .-.''.-.
 Pope Leo feebly recited the confession Of faith as formulated by the Council of Trent, and finally the words of absolu- ton and the formula of indulgence in articulo mortis were solemnly pro- nounced by the Grand Penitentiary.
 The heads of the great religious orders were present and granted the Pope the special indulgencles which they have the privilege of conferring Then came the touching prayers for a passing soul and part of the Gospel the Lords Passion. As the last words died away, all fell on their knees. The pontifY. raising his al- most transparent fingers with feeble ef- fort. pronounced in scarcely audible words his benediction on the sacred col- lege and on all present, and then sank back on the pillows. There was scarcely fearless eye in the whole assemblaKe. The sobs of the Pope's relatives were plainly heard. Deep silence fell, only broken now and again by a murmur of prayer or pious ejaculation.
 In the portion of the LogRia of RaphaeI adjoining the papal apartments. were the families of Count Ricardo PeecI and Count Moroni, the Pope's nephews.