The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-02-02
CONCLAVE NOW ON
Cardinals Not Expected to Bal
lot Before Friday.
Session Expected 10 Be Only
Two Days Duration.
MODEATE POPE is ASSURED
Neither Peace Nor IrrecOnciI-
abIeS Can Elect Candidate.
Are Six Names That Stand Out
as Possibilities.
MODEATE POPE is ASSURED

Rome, Feb. 2.-The cOnclaVe of the
sacred college which is to choose a
successor to Pope Benedict XIV began
its sittings today
The fifty-two cardinals who are in
Rome went into seclusion last night
and when the great oak barrier at the
entrance Of the courtyard of st. Da
maso was closed they were cut off
from communication with the outside
world until their secret task was
done.
The first ballot viii probably not be
taken until Friday morning.
The balloting is not expected to con-
sumo more than two days and the
next pope. in the consensus of opinion
in vatican circles. will come from
among the moderate section of the
sacred college.
watch for Smoke Puffs
Neither the "irreconcilable nor
the peace party which favors closer
relations with the Italian government
is understood to have a chance to
elect its candidate, the moderates
holding the balance OF power. Crowds
gathered today in st. Peters Square to
watch for the tell-tale smoke wreaths
from the chimney of the Sistine
chapel where the conclave sits.
A ballot is taken on the morning
and evening of each day the conclave
10 III Et0SlOl ana InRSe smoke DIlTfS
are the only indication to the watch
ers as to the progress made When
no election is effected a little straw
is burned with the voting papers
causing the smoke to assume a dark
color When choice is finally made
the ballots, burning alone, emit a thin
wisp of light smoke.
Shut OFF From World.
Until the election the ONLY com
GlunJra1inn her Tho
~ ESQ persons in the vatican and the
outside is thru the "rota' or turning
box at the entrance of the COURTYARD
ana such communications as are made
IN this way are not allowed to come
10 the attention of the cardinals. Pen
ATTY Tor violation of this secrecy is ex-
communication
Monsignor Mahoney spiritual di-
rector OF the American college has
gone to Naples to meet Cardinal
- Council, archbishop of Boston, who
IS passenger on the steamship Presi-
dente Wilson. which steamship off
Gals say is not due here until Sat
urday. As in 1914. when Pope Bene-
dict was elected, Cardinal O'Conneu
may arrive too late to participate in
the conclave.
Be Short Session.
The confidence that the concIave
would be of short duration is shared
by Cardinal Gasparri who. in making
provisions yesterday for the sustenance
OF the cardinals. only provided menus
Tor today, tomorrow and Saturday
others who believed the election
would be brief pointed out that the
cardinals generally were in favor of a
continuation of the late pontiff's pol
Icy. aud that there was therefore
nothing to do but choose a man who
would follow that program.
As the conclave convened it ap-
peared that the "irreconciIables.
headed by Merry del Val, and the
peace party under Gasparri could
each count on about twenty votes, the
remaining twelve constituting the
moderate section. The candidate of
Merry del Valas group was said to be
cardinal Lafontaine, while any one of
Cardinals Gasparri, Maffi or Ratti was !
said to be acceptable to those favor
ing rapprochement with the
quirinal.
Cardinal laurent was mentioned as
4 candidate who might be put forward
by the moderates and fully satisfy
both factions. Cardinal Marine has
influenza and will be unable to attend
the cOnclave.
Six Names Ar Prominent.
(By the Associated Press)
London. Feb. 2.-The Rome cor
respondent of the Times telegraphs
that when the numerous opinions as
to who will succeed Pope Benedict XIV
are siftcd, the names which stand out
are those of Cardinals Gasparri, Ratti,
Maffi. Lafontaine, Lualdi and Granito