The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1922-01-22
ARDNAL PETR0 MAFFI OF PISA, EXPECTED TO BECOME NE

only signs Of life.
Around the bed. kneeling, were
purple-clad cardinals and the Pope's
personal attendants praying for a
miracle that might prolong or save
the Holy Fathers life.
Prayers for the Dying.
Through an open door In an ante
! room priests and high officials OF the
Vatican were chanting prayers for the
dying.
Occasionally the pontiff opened his
eyes and smiled as he listened. At
times he lifted his hand. attempting
to chant in unison. only to relapse
again into a state Of coma.
"It is the end. '..... =
Weeping bitterly. Cardinal Gas
parri, papal secretary of state, made
this tragic declaration as he left the
chamber of Pope Benedict XIV during
the night after q final consultation
with the physicians. The consulta-
ton had taken place just before 8
o'clock. The papal secretary then
collapsed In the arms of attendants.
The correspondent learns that the
pontiff's fight for life amazed even
the most astute medical men OF Eu-
night.
Tho pontiffs tenacious struggle
gave ground for many wild rumors,
one of which was that q divine mira
Gle had interviewed.
Abandon Consultation.
II was between 3 and 4 o'clock this
afternoon that the physic'ans-Bat-
tavini. Cherubini. Bignami. and the
famous consulting specialist, Marchia-
fava-abandoned their consultations.
They said that all had been done that
was humanity possible to keep the
pontiff alive. But the shadows of
death were gathering rapidly and the
pontiff, by his increasing weakness,
proclaimed that the end was at hand.
At that time the pontiff was in a
comatose condition. His breath came
fitfully and in gasps. At times he
seemed not to breathe at all. His
heart had sunk to a mere flutter and
his pulse was almost gone. His
features were calm, however. despite
the pain.
Earlier in the afternoon the Pope
had passed from periods Of lucidity
into fits Of semi-consciousness. At
times he wandered and in his rest
lessness clutched feebly at his
crucifix and muttered phrases from
prayers or fragments concerning the
Papal state business which he had
had in hand when illness fell upon
him.
At noon the Pope had been able to
get some sleep. He was restless, hut
the members Of the Papal family and
the physicians as well were hopeful
that it would. increase his strength.
This hope, however. was short lived.
Sinks Into Coma.
Just before noon the pontitf had sue
cumbed to . state of coma, and arti-
fetal stimulants. such as caffeine and
camphorated oil. were injected to
strengthen the heart.
The highest hopes Of the day had
been aroused late in the morning. when
the patient had been able to take Q
slight amount of liquid nourishment.
Ministration Of this food had been
delicate and difficult operation. The
pontiff was without appetite, owing
to the high fever, and his throat was
contracted with Inflammation.
The beginning of the day found the
patient in a condition so serious that
Prof. Marchiafava had expressed fears
that he could not live until noon.
Once the pontiff said he felt much
improved. At another time he ex-
pressed the desire to return to his
ecclesiastical duties. The anteroom OF
the sick chamber was filled with
purple-clad cardinals. who recited
prayers necessarily. Candles which had
been blessed burned in the inches.
Cordial Administered.
Between 8 and Q o'clock a. m. the
pope had dozed fitfully. but was too
restless to benefit greatly from the
sleep. During a period Of wakeful-
ness, a little cordial was administered
him. He swallowed It with = the
greatest difficulty.
The tragic day in the sick chamber
was marked by scenes OF pathos
which long will lnger in tho minds
Of all beholders. While conscious the
Pontiff remembered that this was
the feast day of tho patron saint Of
q college he had attended. He re
marked about the fact, and this was
pointed out by the persons present as
showing the alertness Of the Pom
tiff's mind.
Throughout all his suffering and
especially today, when he passed
through the most trying pain. the
Pope remained cheerful and resigned.
Early in the morning he begged
his friend, the aged DR.. Battistini.
to forsake the sick chamber and get
some rest. He spoke again for the
comfort Of those about him.
Just before the dawn, and when It
had appeared that the prelate was
sinking IN his final sleep ~ waa de-