The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1903-08-03

Rome. July 31.-Midnight The larges,
conclave in the history of the Catholic
church has assembled in the Sistino
chapel for the purpose of electing sue
cessor to Leo XIII. Sixty-two cardinals
with over 200 clerical and lay attendants
are, to all intents and purposes, prison
ers within the vatican.
DR.. Lapponfs duties began Immediate
ly after the opening of the conclave,
much fear being expressed concerning
the health of Cardinals Mocenni, Cretonl
and Langenieux, who are already i'll. The
first cardinal to be taken to his bed was
Cardinal Herreno Y Espinosa, archbishop
Of Valencia, who is 81 years of age and
was appointed cardinal at the consistory
held in June last. He is Frustrated by
over fatigue.
Doctors have ordered him to take abso-
lutte rest
Although Cardinal Herrera is confined
to his cell by his illness, he will be al
lowed to take part in the conclave by vot-
ing if he is not able to get up.
News from within the precincts OF the
conclave at midnight is to the effect that
after prayers cardinals took supper at
a common table with the exception OF
nine of them, who had their meals served
in their cells. Cardinal Herrera Esplnosa
with the assistance of cordial admin
istered by Dr. Lapponi, is reported to nave
gone quietly to sleep.
Forecasts Have Little Value.
Tomorrow morning the cardinals Will
enter upon the solemn duty of choosing
the new pope by ballot The general i'm
preston exists that within two or three
days possibly. though rot probably To-
morrow. new pope will be chosen. But
no matter how long time may be re
quired the absolute seclusion OF the prln-
ces of the church from the outer world
must. according TO the church law con
tinue until q choice is made
Demonstrations as to who will wear
the tiara as Leo's successor have little
value. as even the cardinals. who, this
evening. entered their cells. seemed to
be without definite ideas as to the issue.
Cardinal Rampolla, Cardinal Serehho
Vennutelli, Cardinal Di Pietro. cardinal
Gotti and Cardinal Oreglla conQnue TO De
most frequently mentioned as the likely
candidates, but the moment the name OF
one of them is mentioned a hundred rea-
sons are supplied to show that he could
not possibly be elected.
So seldom have the majority of cardi-
nails now here met each other and so
widely do they differ In nationality or
personality thai no organized movement
in support of any one cardinal has thus
far been practicable.
The rival claims of the leading Italian
press are matters which are all important
in connection with the decision of the
cOnclaye.
More interesting perhaps, In certain
way is the impression which prevails in
certain sections. that, no matter what
the verdict Of the conclaYe may be, great
changes are impending In the policy of the
VATICAN, and that within a year or two
the new pope VIII no longer CONSIDER
himself a prisoner In the vatican, oni
will unlike Leo leave its precincts when
necessary.
Chances of Rampolla.
just before going into his cell today
a prominent cardinal threw an interest
ing sidelight on the chances of Rampoila.
Ieo's secretary of state has been per-
sistently abused recently by the govern
rnent papers for his temporal power pol
icy.
u am not SO sure" said the cardinal
10 the representative of the Associated
Press. that the public attacks on Car
dinaI Rampolla by the government are
not inspired with view to working up
among Catholics and cardinals spirit
of enthusiasm for him which might great
IL increase his chances OF election. IN
deed il Is perfectly certain that the
Italian government would not be at all
sorry 10 see Cardinal Rampoila wear the
tiara, as, at heart, / do not believe the
to alter the existing relations between
the vatican and the quirinal."
There Is no doubt that Cardinal Ram
polla, who is so well known to all the
cardinals because of the position he held
under the late pope. has a strong follow
ing but whether il is approximately
strong enough to bring him within meas
urable distance of the papal throne will
only be revealed when the first ballot is
taken tomorrow. Cardinal Seraflno Van
nutelH was certain, according to a state
ment of one of those who entered the
conclave tonight, to secure ten votes at
the first ballot. He is regarded as par
ticularly friendly 20 Ireland and it is
understood has the support of Cardinal
Logue. archbishop of Armagh, and, It Is
said also Of Cardinal Gibbons
One of the features of today's prepara-
lions was the comparative ignorance dis
played by some Of the cardinals concern
Ing the conclave's method of procedure.
One of them. who looks old enough to
have participa ted IN any number of con-
claves. although Cardinal Oreglia is the
only member of the sacred college with
previous experience, ingeniOuSly admitted
that he had not read the rules governing
the technicalitieS of the voting since he
was a boy at a seminary.
Clean Linen for Three DAYS.
All the members of the sacred college,
by mutual agreement. took with them
when they entered the conclave sufficient
CIean
expiration of that time the conclave IS
still in session arrangements have been
made to pass out the soiled linen on the
dcumb walters and have the laundry work
done by employees of the vatican.
BEFORE entering the conclave Cardinal
Gibbons requested the Associated Press
TO deny all interviews alleged to have
heen given out by him while in Rome,
ead also all published accounts of con-
versations he Is alleged TO have had
with private individuals, referring es-
nacialIy to the statements Of The Italia
yesterday to the effect that he had crit
Used the policy of Rampolla.
init, the conclave IS ended. zoo Italian
+.ooners will remain in the piazza of st.
peter, 400 to the right and 300 to the left;
lille $50 more soldiers will be stationed
u, the piazza at ST. Mark.
Mounted carbineers and policemen will
,otro1 the walls of the vatican.
The gardens and streets adjacent to the
va,jcan will be watched day and night
n.itb four attachments of guards, while