Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-08-05

TOOK the white cap, placed 1t calmly on
his head, and dropped the red one light
ly on the head of Mgr. Merry Del Vat
amidst a murmur of approval. This
is taken as a certain indication that me
happy recipient is soon to be raised to
the cardinalate.
AS the new Pontiff stepped from be-
hind the altar, the only touch of color
about him being his red and gold shoes,
he really seemed the embodiment of his
holy Office. His face was pale and
cleanly, softened by emotion. He
paused a moment, as he came before
the expectant cardinals, then seated
himself in the throne, with a hurried
movement as though he had suddenly
grown ill. His back was to the alter
and he was enthroned to receive the
so-called first obedience" of the car
dinals.
They came forward, one by one
some calm and smiling, others sober
and non-committal, while still others
found considerable difficulty, even at
this hour, in concealing their too obvi-
Gus disappointment.
All kissed his hand and foot while
he saluted each on the cheek with the
kiss of peace. Then all broke into the
TIE Deum, with the effect that scarcely
an eye was dry.
Plus X then rose and in a voice at
first tremulous, but gradually becom-
ing full end firm. administered the Pa
pal blessing to all the members of the
sacred congregation. 1t was received
with bowed and uncovered heads.
The fisherman's ring, not yet hav-
ing been found, new one designed
by Camerlengo Oreglia will be placed
on the Pontiff's finger as symbol of
renewed power and evidence that the
Catholic church has once more a SOW
ereign head.
In the meanwhile masonS and car
peuters had been busy breaking down
doris so that the cardinal deacons, to-
gether with the master of ceremonies
and the conclavists and many others
might proceed to the balcony of st. Pc
ter's. The populace waiting in the pi-
azZa, had already, at 11.3O o'clock. seen
the tiny thread of smoke, almost trans
parent, which warned them what to
expect, so that when the windows on
the balcony slowly opened and the
great cleaning cross was seen, the eX-
element and Impotence heightened
to the extreme. ..
Slowly Cardinal Macchi, secretary of
the congregation of apostolic briefs
exclaimed in a loud voice:
"Annulto vobis gaudium magnum
habemus papem eminentissimum nc rev.
erendissimum dominum cardinalem. Jo-
seph Santo, qui sibi imposuit nomen Plum
Decimum.'
Then the bells of St Peters doomed out
as did those of all the other churches in
Rome, giving the news to the world.
The procession traversed many noble
halls until approached at the window
looking into St. Peters. From below rose
a murmur of voices, which although sub
dued by distance, denoted the presence
of a large concourse of people. The Pope
was seen to grow pale and turning to
Cardinal Bacilieri, who stood behind him,
he said:
Now I understand the emotion Pope
Leo always showed when going into st.
Peters, to have the eyes of a great
crowd focused on him. 1t is almost ter
rifying."
Bending forward in the window, the
others having fallen back, he deliberately
controlled himself and looked across the
great basilica. Crossing himself. the Pope
raised his hand and in voice palpably
tremulous he said, as soon, as the cries
from below gave an opportunity:
"Aiutorium nostrum in nominc Gomini,
to which came in reply from thousands
of voices the cry: "Qui fecit coelum ct
terrain" In thrilling voice the Pope
responded ."Sit nomen domni benedic-
tum.''
Then raising himself to his full height
and leaning forward as much as possible,
he intnuAd:
"Benedicat vos omnipotens deus"
etc, which called forth such applause
that several minutes elapsed before the
Pontiff could retire. He then drew back
and the procession, reforming, return
ed to the ducal hall. AT the moment of
leaving the window Plus X. turned to
Mgr. Bisletti, who happened to be
beside him. and said:
II shall never again feel just the
same emotion"
AS Cardinal AIacchi returned to the
Sistine chapel. after having performed
mis- pious duty the new Pope rose and
an effort tolnake some kind of a process
sion was made, but Plus x. was liter
ally carried in triumph to his cell, fol-
lowed by a great concourse and pre-
coded by the cross. He was stopped
ever step or two by those anxious to
kiss his ring and receive the Papal
blessing, which was accorded with
great benignity.
AS the new Pope passed along, many
of those present tried to prove that
they had always known what the re-
suit would be and how satisfied they
all were.
"Why, of course shouted one. "be-
| fore the conclave gathered l always
said it would be he"
If any of these compliments reached the
ears of the Pontiff he gave no sign there
Of When he arrived at the door OF his
cell the Pope turned and raising his
| hands gave, in a voice almost suftocated
with emotion, his benediction to the as
| sembly, which received it on Blended
| knees