The Holly chieftain., 1922-02-02
Election Of New Pope Affected
by the Jealousies Of the
Nations of Europe.
PRo-GERMAN MAY Be NAMED
Americas Attitude Toward the Genoa
conference-Shantuno Question Near
Settlement In Washington-Sec-
retary Waliace's Agricultural
confab Develops Much
Friction.
BY EDWARD W. PickARp


A LII Europe and in a lesser degree
a all America is interested In the
selection of pope to succeed Bene-
dict XIV. The sacred college has been
summoned to meet on February 2 for
this purpose and the cardinals are
all hurrying to Rome. These from
the United States and Canada cannot
reach the Eternal city In time for the
opening of the conclave unless 1t is
postponed, and may be too late even
to participate In the election. This,
however, is unlikely, since the cam
paign, II one may so term 1t, Is be-
coming so complicated that the choice
Of pope may be delayed. According
to Italian correspondents, the main
issue is again what is called the
Roman questionable question Of re
lations between the Vatican and the
Qulrinal. The Italian cardinals, who
are in the majority in the sacred col
lege, are divided into two camps on
this matter, some supporting the poll
cies of Plus X who favored strong
church independent of the italian
states, and some standing for Bene-
diets measures of rapprochement
with the Italian government. leading
up to final reconciliation. In the for
mer group the leading candidates are
Cardinals Bogglani, Merry del Val and
Laurent: In the latter, Cardinals Gas
parri, Mafi, Ratti and vanuteli.
Cardinal La Fontaine Of Venice had
been classed with the Plus group. but
1t is said Pope Benedict's dying wish
was that he be elected. The Italian
government is supporting the candi-
dacy of Maffi because of his strong
nationalistic tendencies.
Though 1t is believed Cardinal Mer-
cier, the hero of Belgium, will receive
a large vote on the first ballot. 1t Is
generally conceded that no non-Italian
can be elected. However, foreign ma
tions are concerning themselves great
ly in the affair and the international
jealousies and suspicious generated
by the World war are playing an i'm
portant part. France does not de-
sire that relations between the vati-
can and the Quirinal shall be re-
stored, fearing she would lose the ad-
vantage she now holds as the strongest
Catholic power. Belgium and Poland
will rote as does France. Some Of
the italian cardinals were quite SYM
pathetic toward the central powers
during the war and there was a rumor
that they might combine with those
from certain other countries to elect
q pro-German.
After lying In state four days, dur
ing which time 1t was viewed by
many thousands of mourners. the body
of Pope Benedict was carried on
Thursday into the choir chapel of st.
Peters church where the last rites
were performed. Placed in triple
casket Of pine. lead and walnut, the
remains we're then inferred in crypt
of the Lower church, part Of the old
basilica which dates from the fifth
century. The official recognition of
the pope's death ordered by the italian
government has been especially pleas
Ing to the Catholic church. Flags on
all government offices were half
stated.
A T THIS writing the United States
"A government hns not as yet an
nounced Its decision relative to par.
ticlpation in the conference at Genoa.
President Harding was in consultation
with Secretary of State Hughes, Sec
retary Of Commerce Hoover, Senator
Brandegee, Elihu Root and others. and
II was reported he had about made
up his mind to send his regrets. The