Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1903-07-09
HIS FINAL HOU RS
LAST RISES OF CHURCH ADMIN.
ISTEEED TO LEO.
Life Sustained Only by the Use of
Powerful Stimulants. and the
End Is Expected at Anv Me-
ment Venerable POntiH Has Dis.
posed of Personal Affairs.

posed of Personal Affairs.
Rome, July 6 --"Gnd's will be done.
| Who wonld have believed it, hen only
ten days ago | was presiding over
public consistory?" murmured feeblv
Pope Leo as he felt himself, late last
evening, sinking into sleep which
lasted about three hours, until excruci-
ating pain brought the dying man la,
to consciousness. He groaned and COM
planned of pain on both sides Of the
thorax. Tenderly DR.. Lapponi, assist
ed by the pope's valet and the phvsi-
clan 4 second assistant, lifted the trail
form, and, changing the position, sue
ceeded in giving the patient some re-
lief. Though lowering on the brink of
death, the life of the pontiff is still
prolonged by means Of strong stimu-
lants and concentrated nourishment.
and while he is still alive, his wonder
full vitality may again resist end con-
quer the attack OF this illness. Late
last evening, after the excitement of
the ceremony of the last sacrament was
over, the pope seemed less restless,
partly soothed by the religious service
and partly by dose of choral, which
was given him in considerable quantity.
The pontff is lying on small bed
drawn up to window overlooking the
piazza Of St. Peters The only picture
in the room is an antique Madonna,
and the sole ornament great ivory
cructix.
His Passing Near.
The interior of the Vatican during
the early hours of this morning, testi.
ties to the conviction that the passing
of Pope Leo is very near. The courJ.
yard of st. Damaso is filled with the
carriages Of the cardinals. Servants
and messengers hurry across the court
with bundles of huge wax tapers, and
with the robes of the ecclesiastical dig
nitaries who are waiting within the
palace. The antecbambers OF the pal
ace were all through the night thronged
with princes of the church, high noble
men and members of the diplomatic
corps. Telegrams of inquiry have been
received from several OF the monarchs
of Europe.
Talk of Successor.
All kinds of speculation are already
in circulation as to the probable success
sor to the throne OF st. Peters, Opin-
ions are much divided, owing to the
many interests which will be affected
according to the choice made by the sa-
cred college. The first question the
cardinals will have to solve will be
whether the conclave shall be held in
Rome or outside of Italy. 1t is be-
lieyed that the supporters of the idea of
than in The conclave held after the
death of Plus IN, when thirty two out
of thirty seven cardinals voted in favor
of Rome.
The second question viii be whether
the next pope must be an italian or a
foreigner. 1t is generally believed he
will be an Italian, because. in view of
the struggle between the church and
state since the fall of temporal power
and the constitution of United Italy.
all the clergy, as well as the clerica
party and even foreigners think that
An Italian pope can protect better than
a stranger the advance of the religious
and political interests of the church.
Two Leading Candidates.
Tie cardinals chiefly SPOKEN of are
Cardinal Rampola and Cardinal Sera-
fino Nannutlli. They are both repre-
sentatives of the conservative policy,
hut are bitter antagonists of each other.
Rome, July "a bulletin issued this
morning states that there is slight
improvement in the pone's condition.
The weakness of his holiness is hecom-
ing more marked, bat his breathing is
becoming more regular.
Rome, July 6.-The pontiff has left
his bed The ameliorai ion in his con-
diton this morning was So unnatural
considering the gravity Of his illness.
that it was feared that possibly it was
the last Pickering of the vital flame.
During this brighter interval the pope
resumed his habit of command and in
sisted on giving orders for the prepara-
ton of the brief appointing Monsignor
Nelaponi, actually secretary of letters
to princes, as secretary of the consisto-
rial congregation, place vacant owing
to the promotion Of Monhignor Nocalli
to- the cardinalate.
The importance of snch an appoint
ment, especially at the moment, is
manifest, when it is considered that on
the pope's death the secretary of state
ceases to exercise his functions, which
are assumed Immediately by the secre-
tary of the consistorial congregations
Rome, July 6.-Only two bulletins
will be issued daily regarding the pope s
health, the doctors agreeing that there
are not sufficient changes in condition
to chronicle them more often.
The pope insists on staying mp and
walking at intervals, saving that weak
ness is the worst part OF his illness,
and that the best remedy is activity