The Washington times., 1914-08-19

demands declaration from the success-
full candidate as to whether or not he
will accept the election.
With the formal acceptance Of the
election the doorway through the spe-
cfal wall Is unsealed and announcement
Is made to the outer world OF the choice
The new Pope then Is conducted to
some room within the irciosure and Is
the cardinals pay their first alteration
to him. Each cardinal kisses the hand
and the foot of the Pontif In symbol Of
complete submission to his authority as
Following the first alteration by the
cardinals formal proclamation Of the
election is made IN 81. Peter'h
Clergy Pay Homage.
The lower orders of clergy and the
iaity pay their homage on the days To-
tervening between the election and the
coronation Of the Pope.
The actual power of the PontfR dates
from the moment Of his election and
acceptance Of office But the bexfn-
ming Of his pontihcate Is dated from his
coronation. which comes on the SUM-
day following his election
There Is no church law that specifies
that the Pope must be chosen from the
ranks Of the cardinals Actually. any
Christian male Of suitable character an
attainments IL eligible to election But
LOT centuries. since the day of Pope
cfnals
Should a prelate who was not bishop
oe raised to the pontiicate. II would be
uon, to consecrate him to the bishopric
Inc necessity, however, Of creating
snsfope-eiect bishop Is not likely TO
arIse- Inc custom Of centuries is consfd-
-
Der OF the conciave VIII be selected.
Diet Is Reduced.
Candidates for the pontincate are NO,
allowed to vote for themselves and IN
instances where q close ballot IL cast
the scrutatores are required to open the
ballots of the candidates and make SURE
that the rule hasenot been violated. =
The edict Of Pope Gregory x. estab-
fishing the conclave, provided for a d.
diet for the cardinals II they
were unable to reach q speedy decision
They were allowed three days In which
to deliberate and to receive regular diet
Each succeeding perlod of nys DAYS
meant the cutting on Of some Wand
from the menu until at last only wine
and bread could be served to them.
This rule, It Is understood, has not been
brought into rigorous enforcement for
many years.
The cells provided for the cardinal,
while IN conclave are closed by door
In the form OF a st. Andrews cross AMI
by merely closing this door q cardinal
signffies his desire to mediate and pray
alone His desire Is respected
Ruling Restrictions.
But aside from this secret meditation
everything Is done L. common and In
the open. All communication with tn,
outer world must be had with the con-
sent of the conclave and in the pres
snce of the other cardinals or at least
IF the preiate who guards the one door
,f access
Until the election Is accomplished no
'ther matter can be under consideration
" discussion by the cardinals, except
Is some extraordinary and vital ext
,ency affecting the welfare or property
II the church may arise.
From the time they enter the con-
lave until the new Pope has bean Z,
lected and invested no cardinal "a al
owed TO pass outside the walls, ex-
ept in case Of sickness. and to return
gain to participate in the election.
The voices of the world and the poll
les and influences that were brought
ays before the conclave cannot now
each these prelates. Apart from tho
gorld and alone with their mighty duty
nd responsibility. they choose the man
rho will guide the mighty Roman
atholic church. who will be its supreme
emporal power and guardian OF the
attn