Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-11-24
BOMB EXPLODED
IN FAMOUS CHURCH
Miscreant's Deed Caused Wild Panic
In st. Peters, at Rome.
THERE WERE NO FATALITIES

Rome. Nov ia bomb exploded in
st. Peters. The edifce was crowded.
and an indescribable scene OF confu.
sion followed. There were no fatal.
ties. AS soon as the echoes of the
tremendous roar had ceased a canon
sought by reassuring words 10 quiet
the people. but in vain. They fed In all
directions and number of women
tainted Women and children screamed
and men tried to protect their families
in the crush. The church Is so large
however that there was ample room for
the crowd 10 scatter and no one wa
injured No trace of the perpetrator
OF the deed has been found.
Since St Anacletus. who was or.
daincd by Peter himself erected an
oratory in 90 4. d.. on the site OF the
present basilica to mark the spot
where the remains OF 81. Peter are
buried. no such dastardly occurrence
is noted in the annals OF the church
sunday was the anniversary OF the
dedication Of the basilica to St Peter.
and II was beautifully decorated for
the occasion Holy relics were exposed
and a large number OF the faithful a.
tended the services Cardinal Ram
polla formerly papal secretary OF
state was among those present. He
took part in the service In the choir
chapel. The last mass had just been
concluded when the explosion oc.
CURED and only one canon. who had
not quite finished remained at the al.
tar 81 81. Petronlla This altar is at
the end Of the right aisle. and II was
near here that the bomb had been
placed. As the canon turned to bless
the communicates there was ire
mendous roar. which echoed through
the LOFTY arches Of the immense dome
like thunder clap. At the same time
dense smoke spread throughout this
portion of the basilica and strong
odor OF gunpowder filled the air Con
fusion and panic at once seized the
people The canon at the altar tried
10 stem the tide OF fear He shouted
ont Do not be afraid: it is nothing.
merely the MONDAY gun" His words.
however had little effect. They were
rcfuted by the smoke and the pungent
smell OF powder and the people contin.
ued their headlong flight. Chairs were
overthrow. making the confusion
more serious. Men and women fled.
stumbling in all directions. the
screams OF children and cries of an.
suish were heard on all sides. and
for a few moments il seemed as il
nothing could Obviate grave disas.
ter The vast size OF the church. how.
ever gave room for the crowd TO scat
ter and AT the end OF a few moments
the people were surging toward the
doors excited and nervous. but or.
derby.
As soon as the smoke cleared away
a hasty examination showed that no.
body had been hurt in the crush. and
Furthermore. that no one had been
wounded by the explosion Calm was
gradually restored and people returned
70 view the extent OF the damage.
The pope was engaged in his regular
noon-hour devotions when the bomb
went OF. He heard a muhled sound
which surprised but did not alarm him.
Monsignor Msciatelli sub-prefect Of
the apostallic palaces. and Monsignor
Bisleti. major domo OF the Vatican. NJ
once hurriedly entered the pontiff's
cham Der. They were so pale that the
pope Immediately asked, What has
happened"
DO not be alarmed holy father"
was the answer "A bomb has explod.
ed in the Basillea. but fortunately there
are no deaths TO deplore, and no one
has been wounded"
The pontff asked anxiously II the
church had been injured Upon being
treasured. he fell on his knees, saying
he must implore mercy for the misguid-
ed perperator OF the deed
A three days service Of prayer viii
be celebrated in all the churches In
expiation OF this offense 10 religion.