Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 August 1903 — PIUS X. IS CROWNED. [ARTICLE]

PIUS X. IS CROWNED.

GREAT CROWD WBTT FETEIPB TO WITNESS CEREMONY. Oorgaoßi Spectacle Navar to It Pargottaa Vifty-aevam Ye are Mite* Similar Function Many faiat la Ma* Crash—Memorable Day ia S*mk. The ceremony of the coronation of Pope Pina X. took place Sunday in the basilica of Bt. Peter’*, Rome, in the pretence of the princea and high dignitaries of the church, diplomat* and Roman nobles, and with all the aolemnity and splendor associated with thia, the meat magnificent rite ia the Roman Catholic Church. « As Cardinal Macchi, the dean es the cardinal-deacons, placed the triple crown on the head of the venprable pontiff, the throng *of 70,000 persona gathered within the cathedral buret into unrestrained acclamations, the choir intoned a hymn of triumph and the bells of Rome rang oat a joyful peal. It ia fifty-seven years since the Roman* and Enrope assisted at such a function as was held in St. Peter’s Sunday. The great basilica, popularly supposed never to have bpen quite full, wo* overflowing with humanity. The papal throne, a bewildering mixture of gold, red and silver, was erected in front es the high altarContrary to cnatom on these ceremonious occasions, there were no galleries, and the basilica consequently bore more of its normal aspect. On the altar, which was dressed in white, stood the famous silver gilt candlesticks and a magnificent crucifix. When the doors were opened the In rush was terrific; many who started from the bottom of the atepa outside were lifted off their feet and parried into the cathedral. It was a great human torrent let loose, thousands of people mailing, crushing and squeezing amid acreams, protests, gesticulations and cries for help. But one© in the whirlpool there was no ercape and the compactness of the crowd proved to be the safety of those caught in it

Inside the Vatican palace there was movement and bustle as the papal procession, composed of about 500 persons, all of whom had gathered early in the apostolic palaces, was formed. The procession was a long time getting under way, hut afterward, as it moved through the magnificent halls and corridors of the Vatican, it recalled former days, when all was color and picturesqueness within the palace. Pope the Central Figure. The central figure in the long cortege was Pins X. borne in the sedia geststoria. Ilia heavy white robes and the red and gold miter were worn without an effort, making a vivid contrast to those memorable occasions on which Pope Leo XIII. wore them, for Leo seemed always unable to support their weight. Over the pontiff’s head a canopy was held by eight men, while the historic feather fana with peacock tips gave a touch of barbaric splendor to western eyes. Surrounding Pope Pius were the noble guard in new red uniforms and gleaming helmeta and carrying drawn swords, while in front marched the cardinals, a gorgeous bit of color with many handsome faces among them,'The cardinalbishops in their capes, the cardinalpriests, wearing chasubles and the cardi-nal-deacons in their delmatics. The cathedral was illumined with twinkling lights, while the mart™ column* and walla rendered the col,or scheme more vivid. Overhead was the most magnificent dome in the world, np to which floated the harmony of the muslc.

From the throne Pius X., surrounded by his suite, walked to the high altar standing over the crypt of St. Peter, into A hich meanwhile Cardinal Macchi descended to pray. The altar was surmounted by a baldaccliino supported by four historic bronze pillars taken from the Parthenon. The appearance of the ripe in that elevated position called forth another burst of enthusiasm. The Pope then blessed the altar, and after saying the “indulgentiam” the maniple, a symbol of the cord with which Christ was bound on His capture, was placed, with great ceremony, upon the Pope’s arm. At the samo time prayers for the coronation were recited by Cardinals Vannutelli, Mocenni, Agliardi and Satolli. Returning from the crypt, Cardinal Macchi placed upon the shoulders of the Pope the pontifical pallium and attached it with three golden jeweled pins.

Mass was then with great pomp and ceremony, the voice of the Pope becoming gradually more firm and sonorous until it was even audible in the most distant corner of the r immense church. Following this Cardinal Macchi performed the rite of incensing the Pope, whom he subsequently kissed three times on the cheeks and chest, as did Cardinals Segna and Vannutelli. * The whole sacred college gathered about the Pope, ringing Palestrina’s “Corona Aurea Super Caput Ejus,” while the choir burst forth into song. Cardinal Macchi then recited the “Pater Noster Noster” and offered prayer. Placed the Crown. Cardinal Deacon Sagna then raised the pontiff’s mitre, and Senior Cardinal Deacon Macchi placed on the venerable white head the triple crown. At this moment the church waa filled with the ringing of bells, the blowing of silver trumpets, the triumphant strains of the choir and the acclamations of the multitude which could no longer be repressed. When comparative ailence had been restored Cardinal Macchi sddrenaed the Pope In Latin as foll|wa: "Receive the tiara ornamented with three crowns. Remember thon art the father of princee and kings, the rector of the world, the vicar on earth of oqr Saviour, Jesus Christy who is the honor and glory of all countries.” “Amen,” burst forth from the concourse. W r hen the ceremony was over all the exits to the basilica were opened, and within less than an hoar the vast cathedral was empty,