The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1903-07-28

Rome, July 23.-From sunrise until
sunset today thousands passed before
the body OF Leo XIII lying in state
in the basilca of st. Peters. 1t was
originally intended that this opportu-
nifty publicly 10 view the remains
should extend through three days, but
tonight the Associated Press CORE
spondent learns that the time is likely
to be curtailed and that the funeral
may occur Friday instead of Saturday
might, owing to the evidences that de-
composition is setting IN. This is due
TO today's severe heat, from which no
embalming, however perfect. could
completely protect the body.
The will of the dead pope was opened
at today's meeting of Gne congregation
OF cardinals. 1t consists of thirty-six
pages, in the handwriting of Leo XIII
and leaves all the property of which he
died possessed to his successor, for the
use of the church. To each member
Of his family he leaves a present to
nc SI4OSS1 1IolII III dIIdDIS ODJSCLS III
his apartment. Similar presents are
bequeathed to his physician. The total
amoun of property which he left is not
yet knOwn.
The prevailing impression of those
who today passed before the iron gates
of the chapel of the sacrament to view
the remains was one of intense pity.
combined with a certain sense of hor-
40 Tna Hn1I- y-1- +i1tA1 IN on +hn
catafaIQue in order that all might see
the terribly shrunkeu face. An ordi-
nary skull in a frame of gold, lying in
the midst of a mass of red robes, could
scarcelv have been more typical of
death.
Except at sun rise. when the crush
threatened Il panic, all those who
wished it had an opportunity of enter
Ing st. Peters.
An important political factor was in
PRODUCED into the ceremony by the en-
trance into St. Peters of Italian SOL
diers who remained there throughout
the day TO preserve orGer. Their pres
ence there in such a capacity unpre-
cedented in the history of modern Italy,
is important as an Indication of better
relations etwee the government and
the vatican. as it wdS. by the consent,
if not by the desire o. the vatican au-
thOrities. that they today employed the
troops of the quirinaI liz papal terri
tory
Another feature which is causing
along the same lines is the
fact that Cardinal Ore2Ija, in receiving
a group of the city fathers of Rome,
who represent the clerical party. charg-
ed them 10 thank also their liberal COL
leagues for the manifestations of SYM
pathy which they showed during the
fitness of the pope.The cardinal. con
unuing his conversation indicated Spe-
cial satisfaction over similar manifes-
tatfOnS coming from several constituted
bodies of the kingdom CT Italy, such
as community councils and Provisional
Populations, including that of Rome.
which is presided over by Prince Felice
Borghese.
1T is an unexpected tribute" ex-
claimed the cardinal. which no one
would ave imagined twenty five years
ago."
The most important matter before
the meeting Of the congregation Of car
dinalS. was Il proposition presented by
Cardinal Oreglia to send a note to the
diplomatic body accredited TO the Holy
See for the purpose O. representing to
the powers the condition of the apacy
since the loss of its temporal power
and the transfer of tie capitol of the
italian government u Rome. From
what leaks out it appears that the
proposition: provoked considerable dis
cuSsiOn and that Cardinals ~Steinhuber,
Matthew and Viviesey Tuto. favored
the dispatch of a most energetic note
concerning the question of retaining
the papal rights. Cardinals Agliardi
and SerafnO NannuIe.li. on the con-
trary. advocated 4 milQer wording of
this document. which. they c~ontended.
should maintain the historical preten-
siOns of the holy see. but in temperate
language. The majority of the congre-
cation decided 10 pursue a middle
. course and entrusted NonSignor Merry
del Val with the duty of drawing up
the document for submission TO another
meeting Of the congregation
After the will of Leo NH had been
opened il was the intention OF the ard
mails 10 maintain the StriCteSt secrecy
concerning its contents. The earlier
portions OF the testament include the
recommendation which the testator ad-
dressed to his Cardinals
RampOIla MOcenni and Cretoni. on the
best way to continue the religious m
pulse gwen To the church as we'll as the
policy followed by the Holy See during
latter years.
The document then enumerates all
the property which Leo possessed ana
provides that il shall all go TO his sue
cessor.for the benefit of the church. in
Guiding W the presents which llight
perhaps be considered persoal, rather
than gifts to the pontiff, as such. The
money which the pope left is IN a closed
safe in his bed room, the keys having