The Nome nugget., 1903-08-08
Impressive Scenes al
 the Funeral.
LARGE CROWD THERE
Attendance at Funeral is Limited by lnyitatiOns...Last Rites
 Are Said.

Rome. July 25.-The body of Pope Leo XIII. was inferred in St.. Peter 5 tonight. The strokes of the hammer which resounded through the immense dome of the cathedral announced tothe earnest gathering in the nave that Leo XIII. had been laid to rest. At sun down the most important and most sol cum of all the obsequies took place, The front doors of the basilica were closed and the vast church. except for row of lights at the shrine of St. Peter, the candles about the bier, and those persons who had quietly and with the utmost reverence gathered there. appeared deserted.
 About LOGO persons had received in- yitations to attend the ceremonies. The cardinals, who met earlier in the Nati- can, entered the chapel choir, waiting there for the arrival of the procession, Cardinal Oreglia, the camerlengo, hold ing the keys of command. Through special permission a representative of the Associated Press was allowed to enter the chapel of the sacrament be- fore the remains of the dead pontitf were removed.
 Cardinal Rampolla, as the arch priest of she basilica, was waiting outside the gates in violet robes, surrounded by the chapter of the cathedral, which was led by Mgr. Cepetelli, who conducted she services. Drs. Capponi and Mag zoni directed the work of the removal of the bier, which was executed by eight sediari, or pope's carriers, attired in their brilliant robe costumes. At first they tried to raise the bier, but ipding it too heavy, they slowly slid it on to low car with noiseless wheels.
 Then to the strains of the 'Misererie" " which walled through the lofty church, and preceded by glittering cross held aloft, the procession, carrying candles and torches, slowly left the chapel and went up to the church, passing the bronze statue and beyond the shrine of St. Peter,.
 Those gathered fell to their knees.
 St. Peter's is peculiarly fitted to be the background of such a scene. The cold whiteness of her vast pillars showed up:the bright uniforms of the guards, the'violet robes of the clergy and the bier, while the Aickering light of the candles made the funeral procession the only. visible object, and rendered obscurity beyond and behind it more noticeable.
 After slow progress around the church, the sad cortege arrived at the chapel choir the bier being so carried that the dead pope entered head first according to the ceremonial the chapel from semi obscurity flashing into the bEilliancy of the suddenly turned on electric lights.
 When the body had been carefully put in the coffin it was entirely concealed with the red velvet covering which be- fore had been on the bier. The major domo put beside the body two silk purses containing coins of silver and a brpnze medal struck during Leo's pom titicate. A eulogy, written in magnifi- ( nJ Latin and setting forth the great events of Pope Leo's life and reign, enclosed in metal tube, was also in- tered with the body.
 When all had been arranged the su- preme prayer was said and the last ben ediction given, all present joining in. Half suppressed sobs were heard on all sides.
 The second coffin was of lead and very heavy. On the cover at the head was 2 cross, just below which was skull and cross-bones, while below these were the arms of the dead pope, with the triple crown, but without the keys, as shey signify living victory.
 TAis coflp was sealed personally with the.., arms of the. camerlengo. The ma jor domo of the chapel and basilica lighted a brazier which was used in soldering the coffin, producing sounds ano sights strange to hear and see in church. These two collins were closed in third casket of polished walnut without decorations.
 Tie sad duties were softened and snoothed by the sweetness of the sing ing of tbe choir and the prayers of the clergy.
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