East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1908-09-23

With the whole college of cardinals
thousands OF archbishops, bishop
and clergy and representatives OF al
the important governments OF tn,
world filling the stands in the Vati
can gardens, the Papal Jubilee inter
national athletic competitions were
formally opened today by His Holi.
ness, Pope Plus y, says a disptct
from Rome.
Thousands OF athletes OF all ma
tions marched before the assembled
priests and princes OF the church, the
spectacle forming an unique combi-
nation OF ecclesiastical splendor and
gladiatorial prowess.
The opening OF today's tournament
marks the first time in the history OF
the Roman Catholic church that ath-
letic sports have formed a great fea-
ture Of the golden jubilee OF a pom
tiffs ordination TO the priesthood.
Plus Y. who has been a priest for a
half century, has always been an ad-
mirer Of athletics and physical train
ing, and the present carnival was de-
cided upon as a result OF his fire.
quently expressed desire to see some
OF the worlds greatest athletes in ac-
ton.
Every Catholic nation on the earth
is represented among the thousands
OF athletes assembled in the Vatican
gardens today. AS was to be expect
ed, Italians largely predominant.
with Ireland second in point of en-
tries. France, Spain, Germany. Swift
zerland, Belgium. Holland, England
and Australia have considerable dele
cations, and the United States and
Canada have sent some Of their fore
most Catholic athletes.
Owing TO the fact that there can be
no cooperation between the civil and
clerical authorities Of Rome, the car
nival will lack some Of the features
of the recent Olympic games in Lon
don. Considering the number of ma
tions represented. however the re-
suits Of the competitions cannot fail
OF assuming worldwide Importance. |
Medals will be given by the pope to
all winners, and they will be accorded
special honors by His Holiness.
The sports commenced in the vati-
can gardens today are the first ath-
letic competitions to disturb their
luietness since the destruction OF the
Caligulan circus in the declining days
Of the Roman empire. The gardens
include more than 100 acres and occu-
py. with the vatican and st. Peters
cathedral, one Of the seven hills of
Rome.
The field itself is quite level and re-
luired no great lot Of work to put
I in shape for the games. A quar-
er-mile track has been installed and
stands have been erected to accom-
nodate probably the most distinguish
ID throng Of spectators that ever wit
lessed an athletic tournament.
In connection with the preparations
Tor this international competition
Pope Plus X settled another vexed
question. proving once again that
'reat personages Of an encourage are
Isually more royalist than the king.
'ince the fall Of Rome the Italian
lag has been tabooed in the vatican. {
When the athletic games were being !
rganized it was decided that each !
ssociation should be headed BY its
lag and march past the pontiff. II r
'as then found that many Italian :
Iuo flags were merely the national d
olors with some special distinctive II
esign, and that these associations n
osolutely refused to take part with p
It their flags. They we're so nu. L
erous and strong that their defec-' b
IN would have meant the failure Of
e games. In this quandary Monsig- a
IRE Bisletti, the popes major-domo. @,
as approached. and he replied en- e.
latically: ~ will never permit the q
allan flag In the vatican" Then al
me bold spirits hought they would al
peal directly to Plus X, who at once &C
i'd: II wonder at such a question W
ing raised. OF course, they will s.
me with their colors."
1t was suggested that tbey might be 81
rled to make them less conspicu-
s, Not at ALL" exclaimed Plus Y,
patiently, "have them come and
Id their colors high and proud be- II
re the other nations. Are We In
hamed Of being Italians?" gi
The pope is much gratifled at the hi