AN AFFECTING FAREWELL.

Southland Times, Issue 19104, 22 July 1903, Page 2

AN AFFECTING FAREWELL.

Per United Press Association. By Electric Telegraph:.— Copyright. ROME, July 20. Dr Mazzoni having stated that the Pope might live 24 hours, but that tho end was possible o,t any moment, the Cardinals were hastily summoned to the Vatican at noon, when Cardinal Varinatelli administered extreme unction to his Holiness. The Pope is dead. Shortly beforo the end the diplomatic representatives were admitted, and his Holiness, with great difficulty, prdnounced the Benediction, all kissing bis hand. Brief agony preceded his death. ROME, July 21. ANCIENT USE AND WONT. Received 22nd,. 0.7 a.m. The Camerlengo verified the Pope's death with the customary ceremonies, omitting the tapping of the fore* head thrice with a silver hammer, and sprinkling instead with holy water from a silver bowl, while calling aloud thrice " Gioacchinc "—the dead Pontiff's name. He then pronounced the Pope dead. The fisherman's ring was then removed ■ from the Pope's hand and the body, attired in pontifical vestments, remoived to the tapestry chamber, preliminary to its public ■ exposition in St. Peter's. IN ROME. The death created a great impression in Rome. The populace ore quiet ami reverent; many shops are closed, flags halfmasted and bands stopped playing. Vast crowds congregated at the Vatican a.nd St. Peter's. NO POLITICAL JAR. Received 22nd, 0.15 a.m. The Italian Government has promised the Conclave complete liberty in connection with the election of the "Pope's successor. THE LAST MOMENTS. Received 22nd, 1.8 a.m. There was a marked change for the worse in the Pope's condition at 11.30. His breathing was most difficult. The Cardinals were summoned and Cardinal Vanutelli recited the prayers for the dying, and Mons. Piffer, the Pope's sacristan, gave absolution. There was little sign ot consciousness till his three nephews knelt beside his Holiness'^' bedside ; then, by a supreme effort, the Pope raised his hand in the act of blessing, repeating the gesture in the direction of the Cardinals and household. At half-past one unconsciousness supervened and the breathing became more difficult,, ceasing at four minutes past four, after a slight convulsive movement. THE COURAGE OF A GOOD SOLDIER. Throughout tho 17 days' struggle his Holiness exhibited marvellous courage ; there was no impatience, and he preserved his intellect throughout. : Cardinal Oregelin; v tho Camerlengo, assumed control and strangers were ordered to leave the Vatican. The. closing of the bronze gates informed the public of the death of his.Holi-^ ness. LONDON. July 21. IN EUROPE. Profound sorrow is expressed in Europe at the Pope's death. The press unanimously laud his saintly character. The Times says the late Pope was a groat bishop, a thinker and student. WASHINGTON, July Vj - AMERICA'S TRIBUTE. President Roosevelt cabled to Cardinal Rampolla : " America is cpnscious that the Christian world has sustained a great loss."