Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1906 — BOMB MEANT FOR POPE EXPLODED [ARTICLE]

BOMB MEANT FOR POPE EXPLODED

It Goes Off Near High Altar Over Tomb of St. I'eter, In 8U Peter'* Church. Rome, Nov. 20. —A bomb, apparent* ly meant for the pope, exploded near the high altar, over the tomb of St. Peter, during high muss in St. Fetor's church at noon. Plus, though expected, was not present. No trace of the perpetrator of the crime has been found. Enormous crowds, gathered by the rumor that the pope was to pray at the shrine of St. Peter, lu whose honor special festival was held, thronged the basilica. Hardly lind the tremendous rending roar of the explosive died away when a wilder, louder noise arose, as these thousands, shrieking in terror, fought to escape. Women and children were trampled under foot; men strove to protect their families. Not one was seriously hurt, either by tlie bomb or In the crush. No part of the church •was damaged lu the slightest degree except a wooden scaffolding, slightly burnt. Conslderlnfg the power of the bomb, this is taken as a miracle. When the ix>pe was notified, he knelt and began to pray for the “misguided man" who had placed the bomb. Every church in Rome has been ordered to hold a three days’ service of prayer, In expiation of the Insult to religion. This explosion makes the third anarchist outrage In Italy during the past four days, The pope has received persona! letters containing threats that he will be assassinated in the apostolic palace as a protest against the present organization of society. The anarchists, it is added, are ready to employ every means to destroy all Institutions supported by religion or by military forces.