Omaha daily bee., 1903-04-30
KING EDWARD VISITS POPE
Pomp and Ceremony Mark MOnsrch's Re,ep-
tion Within the Vatican.
MOVING MEDIEVAL PICTURES GREET HIN
Omeials in Gorgeous Apparel Escort
British Ruler TO POntim's Private
Door and Then withdrawing
Leave Rulers Alone.

ROME, April 29.-King Edward visited
Pope Leo at the vatican. this afternoon,
going direct from the British embassy in a
closed carriage. He was accompanied by
Colonel Lamb. the British military attache.
The carriage bearing the. king was followed
by another containing members of his mai
esty's suite.
He had no escort, except some policemen
in plain cloths. and no troops lined the
street.
1t was also remarked that, contrary to
the usual etiquette King Edward did not
lunch at the British embassy. but at the
quirinal, and after a brief stop at the en-
bassy drove to the vatican.
Romp and state Surround Pope.
The vatican Is perhaps the most cere-
monious court Of Europe. 1t is undoubtedly
one Of the most picturesque, and all cos
tunes worn are Of medieval times. As
King Edwards carriage entered the court
Of San Damazzo, which has been trodden by
the feet Of every sovereign who visited
Rome with the exception OF the present
shah of Persia, his majesty was saluted by
a battalion Of the Palatine guards in full
uniform, a tattoo was beaten, but there
being no papal band no further musical
hohore were attempted. 1t Is declared
that since the grotesque rendering of the
German royal anthem by bugles on the oc-
casion of the visit of the emperor OF Ger
many, the experiment OF having music has
not been repeated.
When the royal party reached the grand
staircase leading to the papal apartments
KIM Edward was greeted by the Marquis
Sacehetti, who acted for Prince Ruspoii,
the i%ntroducer of soVerigns. who is i'll; Mgr.
Merrydelval and Prince Antoci-Mattei. AT
the upper landing there was grouped in
imposing array a number of other &C.
clesiastics, who formed a characteristicsan
magnificent assembly, Behind this group,
| attired in brilliant uniforms, were the
knights Of the cape and chamberlains in
black velvet brooches. blouses with stir
white rufus and gorgeously jeweied chains
about their neoks, giving a touch Of bril-
liant color.
All In silent in Vatican.
King Edward addressed a few words Of
thanks in return for the hearty greetings
offered him, and then proceeded between
ranks of Swiss guards, whose halberds
cleaned in the sunlight, while the hum Of
the busy city alone broke the deep silence
reigning within the vatican.
At Clementine hall the party was met BY
the papal master OF the chamber, Mgr. Bis
lett, who was attended by personages Of
the secret antechamber. Upon arriving be.
fore the private apartment of the pope the
noble guard rendered military honors Il
the sovereign. At the conclusion of thii
the door opened and the aged
pontiff was revealed standing on the thresh-
old, his hand extended, awaiting his guest
His holiness was dressed in robes of whit,
and a red velvet cap bordered with ermine
Even King Edward paused a momen'
upon seeing the pontiff in his white gar,
ments. The pope's face. was the COLOR o
ivory, but he moved without aid and will
no apparent difficulty. The king and thu
head OF the church clAsped hands and ex
changed a few words in French. King Ed
ward passed into the papal apartment, thu
door was closed and the pope and his CUES
we're left alone for twenty minutes. A bel
was then rung and King Edwards suite ad
mitted and presented to the pope.
This little ceremony seemed to pleas
the pope immensely. At its conclusion
King Edward took his leave, the pope cross
ing the room at his side and saying hi
last words at the door. g.
From the vatican the king passeC
through, the Plaza Of st. Peter, where b
was warmly greeted in English by a mum
Der of Scotch pilgrims now in Rome, VIII
shouted "Hurrah for the king"
Had he looked up at that moment h
would have seen a figure in a window O
the second story OF the palace; 1t was Pop
Leo. Contrasted with the British sover
elgn, who stood below in the sunlight, tn
center of admiration in the immense plazs
the solitary white figure in the palace win
dow seemed to enhance the idea of the pop
as a prisoner. <"
Instead OF returning to the British EN-
bassy, the king drove directly to the Quiri
nal.