Evening star., 1921-03-24
CARDINAL GIBBONS,
HEAD Of Church IN
U.S.,PASSES.AWAy
Reverend PreIate Dies at
/, Residence in Baltimore
j Shortly Before Noon.
HE WAS FIRST AMERICAN
BISHOP TO GET RED CAP
Lover of Peace and Noted Author,
His Views on Public Questions
Were Widely Published.

His Views on Public Questions
Were Widely Published.
1sy the Associated Press.
BALTIMORE, Md, March 24.-James
Cardinal Gibbons. Archbishop of Balti-
more and primate of the American
Catholic hierarchy. died at the archi-
episcopal residence here today after
prolonged illness which mainly anect-
ed his heart. He was in his elghty-
seventh year. The end came peace
fully at 1888 o'clock.
Unconscious for "A Hours.
Cardinal Gibbons had been uncon-
ecious and in a dying condition for
the last twenty-four hours. A slight
hope was raised among his friends
and associates last evening, When MS
pulse grew stronger. that death mgnt
be deferred, but this rally was only
temporary and was merely an evi-
dence of the cardinals remarkable
vitality.
He was perceptibly weaker this
morning and it was then reaiizeo
that he would not live the day out:
= A touching incident in connection
with the last hours of the cardinal
was the Pope's benediction upon him.
which had just been received by cable
from Rome. The city hall bell was
, tolled in respect to the cardinals
memory when word of his death was
sent to Mayor Broening-
Beside the cardinals bed stood every
member of his household. and when
it was seen that the distinguished
prelate had passed away the priests
fell to their knees and began rec1tlng
the prayers for the dead.
kilograms were at once sent to Pope
Benedict at Rome. Monsignor John
lal4 of
ington. and to every prelate Of the
American Catholic hierarchy. more
than q hundred in number, informing
them of the cardinals death.
AS it is expected that most OF the
church dignitaries in the United States
will attend. it is probable that the
funeral will not take place much in
side Of week.
Suffered Relapse.
Cardinal Gibbons, who had been
showing pronounced signs of i'm
provement in health ever since his
return home about January 1 last.
from Union Mills. Md, where he was
taken seriously i'll early in Decem-
Der. suffered a relapse Palm Sunday
evening soon after returning from an
automobile ride. The sudden change
of weather. which brought unsea-
sonably high temperatures. had de-
pressing effect upon him. His faint
ing spells returned and he was put to
bed from which it was realized by
those closest to him he probably never
again would arise.
Was OrxanicalIy SOUND.
Cardinal Gibbons physicians said re-
peatedly in the earlier stages OF his ILL.,
ness that he was sound. organically. as
could be expected in a person OF his
years. but that he suffered from the
effects of his age. from fatigue that re-
suited from the prodigal expenditure OF
his energies in the performance OF his
duties as senior prelate OF the Catholic
hierarchy in this country.
Although not of robust build. the car
dinal enjoyed remarkably good health.
and his close associates often marveied
at his capacity for work. his tireless in
dustry and recuperative powers. But
about six months ago a change began
10 be noticeable. He grew little thin
ner: he became less active in his move
ments. and other signs indicative OF a
breaking up appeared. As a member of
his household expressed it. His emil
nence seemed to grow old suddenly"
Continued Daily Routine.
Nevertheless. the cardinal continued
his usual daily routine. interrupted
only by visits away from home to
church functions. the most notable of
these being the pan-American mass
at Washington on Thanksgiving day.
He was suffering from a cold, but ap-
parently felt no i'll effects from the
trip. and short time afterward went
to Emmittsburg to participate in a
religious celebration. where he again
exhibited symptoms of weakness.
Then. in pursuance of a plan for a
rest. the cardinal went to the home of |
his lifelong friends. the ShTvers, at
Union Mills. Carroll county, where
he had spent many of his holidays,
particularly his birthdays.
Instead of staying there only few
days, as he had originally intended,
Wa a fVlI month before his npadif.l
advisers deemed it prudent to permit
the journey home. Twice during his
stay at Union Mills he collapsed. and
so grave was the crisis that the last
sacraments were administered dur
ing the first spell.
Faint After Confirmation.
The attacks of weakness which first
brought realization to the cardinals
household that he was aging rapid
ly began with cold. While preach
ing at Havre de Grace on Sunday
last November 6. after having con-
came faint. but was able TO continue
his discourse in few moments
These seizures became more frequent
as time went on and usually followed
some overexertion In the line of his
diocesan duties.
The cardinals mental faculties
were no wise impaired by his physical
infirmlties; on the contrary, his mind
seemed 10 become keener his body
grew weaker. He realized that his
end was approaching and prepared
for il feariessIy.
Pope Sends Blessing.
Pope Benedict. who had followed
the course of Cardinal Gibbons i'll
ness with the deepest interest and
sympathy, sent his blessing in the
following cabiegram from Rome re-
0eived at the archiepiscopal residence
this morning:
The holy father. invoking heavenly
blessings and comforts on his emf
nence, Cardinal Gibbons. sends TO him
from the bottom of his heart, the
apostolic benedictiOn.'
The message was signed by Cardinal
Gasparri. papal secretary of state
sketch of Cardinal Gibbons, en-
Teor vii be found on page =.