Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1914-08-22

Rome, Aug. 21.--Rome mourned deep
ly today the death of Pope Plus Y,
but the sorrow did not prevent the ac-
tive furtherance of preparations for
the holding of a conciave of the Sa-
cred College of cardinals for the cleo
ton of new heard of the church.
There was much speculation as to the
probable outcome of the election, but
the view appeared to prevail that, ow-
Ing to the divided state of Europe just
now, it was at most certain that an
Italian would be chosen as the Ital-
ian cardinals form the strongest sec
ton OF the Sacred College AS a pre-
liminary to the meeting of the cardi-
mails. the Papal secretary of state,
Cardinal Merry Del Val, gave up his
office in accordance with custom, and
all the other high officials of the Vat
lean did likewise.
The late Pope's physician, ,Dr. Mar
chiafava, declares in an interview that
his patient suffered much physically
and mentally through the outbreak of
war in Europe.
The testament of the late Pontiff,
whose executors are expected to be
Cardinals Merry Del Val and De Lai,
was written in very modest language
and is said to contain recommended
tons for simple burial in the Crypt
OF st. Peters and an appeal for small
pensions for the dead Pope's sisters
and for one CT his body servants.
Less Secret ConcIave
1t is asserted the cardinals have dis
cussed the advisability of holding a
conclaYe for the election of a success
sor to Plus x, without shutting them
selves within the Vatican throughout
their deliberations as has been the
traditional practice Heretofore each
cardinal has had an apartment in the
palace, with accommodations also for
his secretary and servants and on the
occasion of the last conclave the three
days session of the Sacred College en-
tailed an expense Of $4,000.
1t has been suggested that the car
dinals meet at the Vatican twice daily
fer q ballot until choice has been
made and at the close of each session
return to their homes or wherever
they may be stopping. These sittings
would. or course, be under the seal
OF adequate secrecy while permitting
greater freedom on the part of the
college.
Among the so-called political cardinals
headed by Cardinal Agliardi a movement
is under way to have the Sacred College
OF Cardinals address the Emperors, Kings
and President of the countries engaged
in war, asking them to declare truce
while the new Pontiff is being elected.
This plan, as well as the proposition to
attempt mediation. provides for the as
sistanee OF the United States as the
greatest neutral power
War Groups of Cardinals
The greatest efforts are being made by
the cardinals here to prevent the con-
clave presenting a spectacle of schism
among the foreign cardinals on account
of the conflict now waging throughout
Europe. If such breach should occur,
1t is expected the foreign cardinals will
form groups as follows:
1.-The seven from France, five from
Spain, two each from England and Port
ugal and one each from Ireland, Bel
GUM and Canada, form total OF 49,
The two Germans and six Austro- Hun
garians make up another group of eight.
The neutral group is composed of the
three Americans and one each from Bra
zil and Holland, forming total of five.
Separately stands the bulk of the Ital-
ian cardinals, numbering 80.
The whole Sacred College number 65