New-York tribune., 1903-07-20

and even then his sleep was agitated DR.. lap
poni remained in the sickroom through the
night.
AZ the morning conference the physicians
noted distinct change for the worse. particu-
lariy in the accelerated pulse. which had risen
10 s. after remaining for many days between
IS and 90. The Pope appeared TO have lost all OF
that vitality which he has hitherto so remarka-
bly, maintained. He appealed pteously TO those
about him asking not to be left alone. Although
his mental vigor was nearly exhausted he again
asked that mass be celebrated. This was per-
formed IN the room adjoining that in which the
Pontir lay. He followed the ceremony and took
communion with extreme difficulty.
STATE OF COMA AFTER COMMUNION.
Almost Immediately afterward he sank into a
state of complete exhaustion. At first this took
on the character Of an unnatural sleep. and ne
lay as II inanimate with his eyes closed occa-
sionalIy he started up and cried out as If in
fear Gradually, however. his sleep became
heavier. and assumed a condition of semi-con-
seriousness.
After noon there was hardly any revival from
remained continuously in attendance. Their
night bulletin announced, for the first time, that
their patient had been in state Of coma, which,
they said had been almost uninterrupted during
the day. The text Of the bulletin. which was
issued shortly before O'Clock. was follows:
The Holy Father spent the day IN an almost
continuous state Of coma: strength more de-
pressed; respiration 30; pulse, SO; temperature,
S64 OH FahTenhefD. LAFRONNI
ROSSONI
How long the coma would continue the physi-
clans did not venture to say. AS Dr. Lapponi
came from the sickroon at o'clock this even
ing for breath of fresh air, he summed UP the
steady decline in the patients condition by
saying:
this morning or last night, and while the end
may come at any moment. yet an Imminent
catastrophe is hardly anticipated as the state or
coma may be prolonged many hours.
Meantime the critical condition of the Pontif
had caused intense excitement through the city.
When the state OF coma first occurred the doc
tors formally communicated the gravity of the
condition Of His Holiness to Cardinal Rampolla.
who in turn advised the cardinals of the Sacred
College At the same time the general public
became aware of the alarming change in the
Pope's condition. and the entrance to the Vatican
was soon thronged with dignitaries of the
Church and members OF the diplomatic corps.
making anxious Inquiries Twice rumors of the
death Of the Pontin had gained circulation The
cardinals and diplomats upon their arrival were
many of them left the Vatican on learning that
the rumors Of the Pope's death were untrue
BLESSING GIVEN TO A CARDINAL.
The condition Of coma was interrupted shortly
after sunset Cardinal Wives y Tuto and Monsig-
nor Pifferi. the Popes confessor were then called
into the siclroom. When they began to re-
peat Latin prayers the sound of the language
which Leo XIII loved well penetrated to his
couch and the Pope showed signs of conscious
ness. He lifted his head Cardinal Wives Tuto
took advantage Of the opportunity TO approach
the bed and tell the Pontin that some cardinals
were in the ante-chamber IT myself" said the
cardinal. desire to have your benediction." The
Pope, with great effort, raised trembling hand
and in an almost inaudible voice.. between iorg
pauses. gave the cardinal the Pontilcal Blessing.
The effort. however. appeared to have been
100 much for him and he fell back into con-
dition OF inconsistencies.
Among the cardinals who came TO the vati-
can to-day was Cardinal Oreglla dean ot the
Sacred College. upon whom will fall the chief
duty OF directing affairs when the Pope's Death
occurs. He went to the apar-menfs which have
already been prepared for his permanent occu-
patton. and it was believed that he had taken
up his residence at the Vatican in anticira ton
Of HIS speedy assumption of the important duties
he VIII be called upon to perform. Later how
ever. he left the Vatican Cardinal satafno
present to perform his office OF reciting prayers
for the dying Pontiff. He entered the sickroom
st 9 o'clock this evening arG it was believed
then that the last moments Of the Pope had
come.
PREDICTION OF THE END.
Toward night the reports from the sickroom
continued TO be of the gravest character Car
dinai Dellavolpe. coming from the Vatican.
said he had held brief conversation with Dr.
Lapponi. and that the physician had made the
following statement:
II nothing happens the patient may live
until tomorrow morning. perhaps until evening
that IS. twenty-four hours longer Beyond this
his survival is impossible.
Following the departure of the cardinals a
yard OF San Damaso. in readiness to bring the