Evening journal., 1903-03-04
THOUSANDS SEE
THE AGED POPE
Great Interest in the Twenty
fifth Anniversary of His
Coronation
BEAUTIFUL SCENE IN CATHEDRAL

Rome. March 4.-From sunrise yes
terday all Rome was on the alert and
Slowing most unusual animation and
interest in the celebration of the 25th
anniversary of the coronation of Pope
Leo XIII. The scene on the piazzi of
St. Peters was magnificent There
were assembled many hundreds of
Italian troops in various modern uni
forms, making a striking contrast with
the medieval costumes of the Swiss
Papal Guard, on duty at the bronze
doors of the cathedral The crowds
which gathered before the first cor
3 don of troops we're impatient as they
\ stood dripping under the persistent
rain.
When the doors of st. Peters were
opened an almost indescribable strug-
l gle occurred. in which the immense
crowd pushed and elbowed desperately
to reach the interior of the cathedral.
The crush was so great that many
women tainted. Fully $4,000 were in
the hall when the ceremonies began.
There were about 1000 Americans
present.
At IL o'clock precisely the great bell
of st. Peters rang out a signal, which
was followed by the changing of the
bells of about 500 churches in Rome
as they sounded the announcement
that the Pontiff was on his way to the
Basilica. The life of the ancient city
seemed to pause for a moment, hats
we're raised, and the sign of the cross
vas made. Shortly afterwards, inside
St. Peters, silver trumpets blared out
heir message and the Pontiff ap-
beared. The people held their breath
or a moment. and then all the pent-
lp enthusiasm burst forth in ire
nendous roar Of welcome. From his
Elevation on the new Soda Gestatoria,
arried by 10 men in costumes Of red
rocade, fanked by the famous fla
ELI (spreading feather fans), and
urmounted by a white and gold can
py, the Pope appeared to be more
.han a human being. He seemed to
a white spirit, this impression be-
lg added to by the Pontiff's white
)bes and white mitre. delicate fea-
lres, face white as alabaster, and his
hin hand moving slowly in benedic-
on.
AS the sweet-toned well-trained
tbices of the Sistine choir sang "Tu
a Petrus" thousands of voices shouted
ong live Pope Leoi" Handkerchiefs
Uttered in the air, the banners of
e various societies represented were
aved and many Of those present,
5ercome with emotion, sobbed loudly,
hile others tainted from excess of
cling or fatigue.
When the Pope arrived at the throne
ie ceremony proceeded rapidly. Leav-
2 the Sedia Gestatoria, the Pontif
ielt and prayed, and then rose with
[ assistance donned the falda, and
q new triple crown, and the celebra-
5n of the mass began. At the mo-
ent Of the elevation Of the host
ofound silence fell on the assem-
age. the guards presented arms, the
ople knelt, where it was possible
"a. them to do so, and from the cu-
la came the clear, thin sounds of sill
{ trumpets, giving the idea of heay-
& ly music.
The Pope then administered the
pal benediction, and retired to a
5m for restoratives, prepared on pur-
Sc every time he goes to st. Peters.
81 ere. addressing DR.. Lapponi, his pri-
q physician, the Pontiff said: You
that after all your warnings the
81 emony did me good. What touch
loyaltyl"
When the Pope returned to the Vati-
h roc nH
ce on the Sedia Gestatoria and was
ried throughout the whole length
the cathedral, rising erect many
es to bestow blessings while many
noes. cardinals, diplomatists and
tbops bowed low and the crowd sa-
I'd him franucally.
he ceremony in st. Peters Cathe'
lasted two hours and quarter,
although Il was noticeable that
ne Leo felt the effects of his recent
l, all were surprised to see how
he seemed. His voice was strong
gestures vigorous, and the frantic
ering which greeted his arrival and
arturo gave him visible pleasure
brought a faint tinge Of color tc
M face.
yhen the Pope reached his apart
ITS he wished to discuss the cere
~ and give his Impressions OF II
his physician insisted on com
quiet, on which the Pontif ex
med: "The demonstration toda,
been so affecting. 1t surpassed al
expectations. I am completel'
SIZED. There was no note of dis
l."