Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-01-22

LAY W siysHU SNHAsOAy
1t was day of great uncertainty in
Rome and deep anxiety among those
who watched and prayed at the Vati-
can, for virtually all hope of the pope's
recoverey was abandoned even in the
early morning.
As the hours passed. the wonder
grew at the recuperative powers Of
the pope which enabled him to pass
from one sinking spell and another to
periods OF comparative restfulness and
strength. 1t was this changing CON
dition that inspired the pope one min
ute and gave rise to rumors of death
by another.
1t was thought that if the pope pass
ed safelyl through the night he would
have a chance of life after the dawn,
and SO it proved.
There had been MON ents when it
was almost apparent the end had
come, but stimulants revived the pontiff
and his natural powers of resistance
carried him through the turning point
temporarily. He seemed to cling to
life as did Pope Plus X in 1914. when
the final outcome was in doubt for
many hours.
Catastrophe at Hand
DIR. Battistini, the chief attending
physician, visited the patient several
times Saturday night. Each time he
said that any minute might see the
conclusion of the long hours of suf-
fering through which Benedict Nv had
passed.
The last announcement of the even
ing to the displomatic representatives
waiting IN the antechamber was made
by Cardinal Gasparri, papal secretary
of state, who said:
"A catastrophe is imminent. The
holy father is getting worse and worse.
we must be prepared for the newt
able
The cardinals face was downcast
and sad. He spoke in quiet tones, with
deep emotion making gestures with
his hands. showing that his holiness
was sinking lower and lower
Crowds Wait Outside for End
In the early part of the day sleep
came. which added to his powers of
resistance. Throughout the day great
crowds gathered around the vatican
and double row of royal guards took
up positions in the outskirts of st.
Peters. forming passageway for
diplomatic representatives, prelates
and other notables.
Cardinal Gasparri. papal secretary
of state, received many kilograms from
all parts of the world. including those
from King George of England, and the
king of Belgium. The cardinal spent
considerable time in the sick room,
but entered the antechamber shortly
after 5 o'clock. He said:
II came out to announce that there
is no further hope. The pope may be
considered as having virtually ceased
to exist"
This caused CONSERVATION among
those assembled and Gasparri was
weeping as he came from the room in
which the pontiff was dying.
Passed Restless Night
And yet, later in the evening more
hopeful word was received from the
pope's bedside. and on each occasion
the spirits of those in the vatican
were raised. notwithstanding DIR.
Battistinis continuous admission that
the pontiff's condition was most
grave"
In an all-night vigil which the
Associated Press correspondent kept
in the antechamber of the pope's pri-
vate apartment there was evidence
through that the pope chung to life
only by thread. He passed an ex-
tremely restless night, suffering from
extensive congestion of both lungs and
from the agony caused by shallow
and rapid respirotion. DR.. Battistini
visited his holiness early Saturday
the patient rallied somewhat
and was able to exchange few words
with those in attendance.
Banters His Physician
When Battistini SAID to the pope:
II am going now" the holy father
smilingly replied;
''But, why don't you so. my dear old
man."
Oxygen was administered and ap-
,eared to give slight relief Shortly
,fter / o'clock Cardinal Migone cele-
orated mass in the chapel adjoining
he pope's bed chamber.
During his. suffering. the pope never
lpsatiassd = fass Twe'