The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-08-10
Impressive Ceremonies Attendant Upon the
Coronation of the Pope Witnessed by
10000 People in BasiIica of St. Peters.

Rome. Aug 10.-The ceremony OF the
coronation OF Pope Plus X took place yes.
terday in the Basilica OF st. Peters in
the presence of princes and high dignita-
ries OF the church, diplomats and Roman
mobiles, and with all the solemnlty and
splendor associated with this. the most
magnificent rite in the Roman Catholic
church.
As Cardinal Macchi, the Dean OF the
Cardinal-Deacons. placed the triple
crown on the head OF the venerable Pom
tif the throng OF 10000 persons gathered
within the cathedral burst into unre-
strained acclamations. the choir intoned
q hymn OF triumph. and the bells of Rome
rang out joyful peal.
II Is 81 years since the Romans and
Europe assisted at such a function in st.
Peters. The great Basilica. popularity
supposed never to have been quite full
was overlooking with humanity.
The papal throne, bewildering mix
ture OF gold. red and silver was erected
In front OF the high altar. As. contrary TO
custom on these ceremonlous occasions
there were no galleries. the Basilica bore
more OF its normal aspect. On the altar
which was dressed in white. stood the IA
nous silver gilt candlestcks and a mag
nfcent crucifix. All the available stand
ing space within the Cathedral was divid-
ed into sections by wooden barriers.
which to certain extent kept the
crowd in order.
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 St Angelo bridge
one seemed TO look into fathomless
abyss. instead OF into the river. AS the
morning wore on the fog dispersed, and
~La
sity until II became unbearably hot and
the stone columns and statues seemed TO
radiate the heat on the thousands waiting
20 enter the church. "
GREAT TORRENT LOOSED.
AT a. m. the ringing Of bells announced
the imminent opening OF the doors and
commotion at once began among the
crowd. But ten minutes had to elapse
before the doors were opened The police
and italian soldiers had n difficult task
20 maintain order. as the crushing and
Fatigue had begun TO tell on the pa
tence 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 OF their feet and carried into the
Cathedral. II was a great human tor
rent let loose, thousands OF people rush
ing. crushing and squeezing amid screams.
ptbNeSiS, ana cries Tor help.
But once In the whirlpool. there was no
escape and the compactness OF the crowd
proved 10 be the safety OF those caught
IN IT, Women tainted In GONNA ratively
large numbers. and even men were over
come by the heat but no serious accidents
were reported After their entrance. the
people had further long hours Of waiting.
and IL Is computed that the majority
were on their feet altogether 10 hours.
I've before the ceremony and another
Ave hours while ~ lasted
Those who had received special invita- /
lions. including the high ecclesiastics who /
were not participating In the procession, /
the diplomats and the Roman aristocracv. |
had a reserved entrance through the sa- /
cristy OF ST Peters. Prince Massno ar i
rived, accompanied by his daughter-in- \
law. Princess Beatrice. the daughter OF \
Don Carlos. and they were given promi-
nent seats. Duke Robert of Parma was
the only other member OF the royal fam
fly 10 attend.
POPE IN GOOD SPIRITS.
inside the Vatican palace there was no
less movement and hustle as tho papal \
procession. composed of about 5OO people
AT of whom had gathered early In the
A Apostolic palace. was formed The pope
,eemed 20 be the only tranquil one among
them all. He rose unusually early and
look a few turns IN the vatican garden.
Then he allowed himself 20 be dressed BY |
he cardinals. He evinced no nervous