THE EXPLOSION IN ST. PETERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 January 1907, Page 3

THE EXPLOSION IN ST. PETERS

A BUNGLING ANARCHIST,

The bomb explosion in St Potox > ’s at Rome, was, it is generally supposed, designed to kill Cardinal Rampolla, who has lately received several letters (writes the London correspondent of tbe Mj,dbouno Age). The cardinal, is arch-priest of the basilica, was celebrant at High Mass in the choir chapel. The service was carried ont with unusual ceremony, the ceremony hieing the anniversary of the dediction of St Peter’s. There was an exposure of holy Holies, and the building was splendidly decorated with draperies of crimson and gold. Many Lnglisli and American visitors were present, in addition to a large congregation of Italians, consisting mainly of women and children. High Mass had just been concluded, and a canon was turning to bicss an assemblage of communicants, when the bomb exploded with a tremendious crash, tilling the building with a dense smoke and the suit'll of powder. There was a great rush of people for the exists; and, thinking that many of them might be kill'd, the canon shouted, “Have no fear, it is nothing. It is merely the noon-day gun.” ' Several women fainted, but fortunately, nobody was U'l'iously hurt in the outward rush. Nor did the bomb itself do any damage. To the surprise of ev,ery one, it bad proved as harmless as a Chinese crackt. It had been lodged near the Navicella altar, which rests against the great piers supporting the dome of the progress tlu'Jp, and the scaffolding in basilica. Some restorations were .n use bad afforded a means of concealing the bomb. Tbe scaffolding was a considerable disance from (bo altar wheio Hi). Vatican dignitaries took part jn the celebration of High Mass. Apparently the Anarchist saw no chance of Induing bis bomb there, and contend cd himself with a notion that the explosion would bring down the roof. It did not lyveii injure the nearest statues. Yet the bomb resembled closely in construction that which caused so much damage at the Cafe d’Aragno, in Rome, a few months ago. The contents had consisted of about 201 b of gunpowder and a quantity of heavy nails. The Pope bad been present at (be High Mass, but bad retired to bis private chapel befoip the explosion took place. He heard the noise, and was asking what had caused it when his sec volcU’v ruslictl into llio rluijt'-l* saying, “Tranquiliso yourself, holy father. A bomb has been exploded in Ibe basilica but no damage lias b(< n dene.” "Iliana God for tbiil,” the I’ope replied. “These unfortunate men are a danger to society. lam glad that my l«'loved basilica has escaped.” Later on, returning to bis own apart incuts, lie remarked, “We are going through sad times. May Cod enlighten the misguided creatures.” No Anarchist on I rage had previously been cornmitten in or near the basilica.