The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-11-19
BOMB EXPLODED
 IN ST. PETERS Panic Caused in Basi|ica By Anarchist Outrage BIG EOIF|CE WAS CROWDED Women Faint in the Confusion-Per- petrator Escapes Arrest-Pope
 Is Deeply Moved, and
 Makes Short Address.
BIG ED|F|cE WAS CROWDED


 Rome, November 1S.--A bomb was ex- ploded near the high altar in St. Peters today The edifice was crowded and an indescrible scene of confusion followed There were no fatalities. As soon as the echoes of the tremendous roar had ceased, reverend canon sought by re- assuring words to quiet the people but in vain, They fled in all directions and 8 number of women tainted. Women and children screamed and men tried to pro- tect their families in the crush. The church is so large, however, that there was ample room for the crowd to scatter and no one was injured
 No trace of the perpetrator of the deed has been found
 Since Saint Anacletus, who was ordained by Peter himself. erected an oratory in go A. D on the site o6 the present basilica to mark the spot where the remains of St. Peter are buried, no such dastardly occur renee is noted in the annals of the church.
 Anniversary of Dedication. Today was the anniversary of dedication of the basilca to St. Peter and it was beautifully decorated for the occasion. Holy relics were exposed and large number of the faithful attended the ser vices Cardinal Rampolla, formerly papal secretary of state. was among those pres ent. He took part in the service in the choir chapel.
 Scene Described.
 The last mass had just been concluded when the explosion occurred, and only one canon. who had not quite finished, remained at the altar of St Petronla. This altar Is at the end of the right aisle and it was near here that the bomb had beer s1ed. 4 $ the canon turned to bless the communicants there was d. tremendous roar which echoed through the lofty arches of the immense dome like thunderclap. At the same time a dense smoke spread throughout this DOT tion of the baslica and strong odor. of gunpowder filled the air. Confusion and panic at once seized the people The canon at the altar tried to stem the tide of fear.
 He shouted out Do not be afraid; it
 
 His words, however had little effect They were refuted by the smoke and the pungent smell of powder and the people continued their headlong flight.
 Confusion Prevails.
 Chairs were overturned, making the con fusion more serious. Men and women fled, stumbling in all directions. the screams of children and cries of anguish were heard on all sides, and for a few minutes it seemed as if nothing could obviate a grave disaster. The vast size of the church, however, gave room for the crowd to scatter and at the end of few moments the people were surging toward the doors, eXicted and nervous but or derly.
 As soon as the smoke cleared away a hasty examination showed that nobody had been hurt in the crush and that no one had been injured by the explosion. Calm was gradually restored and people returned to view the extent of the dam age. It was decided the bomb had been placed under scaffolding which had been erected to facilitate repairs to the roof exactly over the celebrated tomb of Clement XIII. by Canova, which consists of a figure of the Pope and two lions, and which was the most remarkable piece of sculpture in the basilca This tomb ranks among the finest efforts of modern sculpture and by it's execution Canova established his reputation.
 Gendarmes Arrive.
 When the first gendarmes reached the spot the scafolding was found to be smouldering. but this fire was easily ex- tinguished. The tomb was found to be ab- solutey uninjured, and even the pave ment shows scarcely any signs of the ex- plosion. An examination of remains of the bomb leads to the supposition that unless 1t was crudely prepared on purpose to mislead that it was manufactured in the country and brought into Rome. It Is be- lieved that the bomb had very long fuse in order to enable the criminal to gain the plaza before the explosion It has been impossible to trace him, and no one has any recollection of seeing man who by his movements might have aroused suspicion.
 Pope at Noon Hour Devotions. The Pope was engaged .n his regular noon hour devotions when the bomb went of. He heard a untitled sound which sur prsed but did not alarm him. Monsignor Misciatelli, sub-prefect of the apostolic palaces, and Monsignor Bisleti major domo of the vatican. at once hurrfedly entered the pontiff's chamber. They were so pale that the Pope immediately asked: What has happened?"
 Do not be alarmed. holy father" was the answer. "a bomb has exploded in the basilica, but fortunately no deaths to de- plore and no one has been wounded" The pontiff asked anxiously if the church had been injured. On being reas- sured he fell on his knees, saying he must implore mercy for the misguided perpetrator of the deed.
 Addresses Crowd.
 Soon after this announcement was made to him the Pope went to the hall of the persons, including twenty-five students of persons, including twenty-five ftudents of South American college, to whom he de- livered a short address. None of these persons knew anything of the explosion. There is certain nervousness in the city and people are apt to magnify small events This was exemplfed this after noon when the explosion of firecracker in the new tunnel above which stands the Quirinal caused considerable excitement and alarm, people fearing another bomb outrage.
 It was soon discovered however. that the cracker had been set off by boy as joke.
 Third Anarchist Outrage.