Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1903-08-10
.POPE'S CORONA TON
Central Figure in Long Cortege
Was Plus x, Borne in the
Sedia Gestatoria.
A Scene OF SOLEMN SPLEND0R


Ceremony Took Place In the Bssilica
of ST. Peters, with All the Splendor
and SoIemnity Associated With the
Most Magnificent Rite in the Church.
Rome, Aug. 10.-The ceremony Of
the coronation OF Pope Plus X. took
place in the basilica OF ST ater II
the presence of the princes and high
dignitaries of the church, diplomats
and Roman mobiles. and with all the
golennity and splendor associated
with this, the most magnificent rite
in the Roman Catholic church
AS Cardinal Maechi, the dean of the
eardinal-deacons, placed the triple
crown on the head of the venerable
pontiff the throng Of 10000 persons
gathered within the cathedral burst
into unrestrained acclamations, the
choir intoned hymn of triumph and
the bells of Rome rang out a joyful
peal.
1t is 81 years since the Romans and
Europe assisted at such function as
was held in st. Peters Sunday The
great bascilica, popularity supposed
never to have been quite full, was
overlooking with humanity. The pa
pal throne, a bewildering mixture of
gold, red and silver, was erected in
front of the high altar. AS, contrary
te custom on these ceremonious occa-
sions there were no galleries, the
bascilica bore more of its normal as
pect. On the altar, which was dressed
In white, stood the famous silver gilt
candlestieks and magnificent cruel
tx. All che availables standlng space
within the cathedral VS. diyissa into
sections by wooden sSffiers, whieh to
certain extent kept the vast crowd
In order
obsoured by Fog.
In the early hours after sunrise a
thick fog hung over Rome and one
bank OF the Tiber could not be seen
from the other, while from the 81.
Angelo bridge cine seemed to look into
q fathomless abyss instead of into the
river The effect was especially mag
niicent on entering the piazza of st.
Peters. At times Michael Angeles
great dome disappeared from view,
while at others it appeared through
the flowing golden mist. AS the morn
ing wore on the fog dispersed and the
sun shone with all its southern IN
tensity until it became unbearably
hot. and the stones, columns and stat
ues seemed to radiate the heat on the
thousands waiting to enter the church
At a. IN. the ringing of bells an
nounced the imminent opening of the
doors and commotion at once began
among the crowd. But 10 minutes
had to elapse before the doors were
opened, and each seemed century to
the waiting crowd, which for hours
already had been standing before the
closed portals. The police and Italian
soldiers had difficult task to main
tain order, as the crushing and fatigue
had begun to tell on the patience Of
the people
When the doors were opened the In
rush was terrific; many who started
from the bottom of the steps outside
were lifted off their feet and carried
into the cathedral. 1t was a great hui
man torrent let loose, thousands of
people rushing, crushing and squeez-
ing amid screams, protests, gesticula-
ton and cries for help. But once in
the whirlpool there was no escape, and
the compactness of the crowd proved
to be the safety of these caught in it
Women tainted in comparatively large
and even men were over
come by the heat, but no serious acct
dents were reported. Fortunately
there were very few children present
After their entrance the people hal
further long hours of waiting, and Il |
Is computed that the majority were on
their feet altogether 10 hours, five be- |
fore the ceremony and another five |
hours while it lasted
The Papal Procession.
Inside the vatican palace there was
no less movement and hustle as the I
papal procession, composed Of about |
500 persons, all of whom had gathered |
early in the apostolic palace, was |
formed The pope seemed to be the |
only tranquil one among them all. He
rose unusually early and took a stroll |
In the vatican garden. Then he al |
lowed himself to be dressed by the
cardinals. He eyincsd no nervous |
ress and even said iskingly to the
master of ceremonies, who the other
day suggested that hs. should use the
plural form in speaking of himself.
we feel very well TITS morning. but
We may be different On returning from
our coronation"
just before entering the Sedia GEES.
tatoria the pope asked for his specta-
cles, and when the master CT esre-
monies discreetly limited that his holi.
ness would look better without them
he said: Il have no desire No appear
what I am not. and IN fact he wore
them during the entire ceremony.
The procession was long time in
getting under way. but afterwards as
I moved through the magnificent halls
and corridors Of the vatican it recalled
'ormer days when all was color and
within the palace.
Plus X. the Central Figure.
The central figure in the long cor
tege was Plus X borne in the Sedia
'estatoria His heavy white robes
md tho rod aud eofd ,,,st.a ,.,a..o ,,.<&... |