THE PAPACY.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6034, 3 August 1903, Page 2

THE PAPACY.

ELECTION OF A POPE.

Rome, August 1. The Conclave for the electioa of a Pope was constituted with many quaint ceremonials. The Cardinals assembled in the Sistine Chapel, and took the oaths of secrecy and to observe the Apostolic Constitution in the election. At nightfall the Camerlings and the Swiss Guards, preceded by torchbearers, minutely examined the building to see that no strangers were present. The doors were locked by the Camerlings on the inside and the Marshal of the Conclave on the outside, 365 persons remaining within, comprising 62 Cardinals, each with his secretary, valet and a member of the Noble Guard, 40 Archbishops and Bishops, besides cooks and porters. Cardinal Herrera was taken ill almost immediately after the doors were closed, and Dr. Lapponi was summoned to attend him. It is expected that Cardinal Rampolla on the first ballot will secure 20 votes as a mark of esteem for his political services. Then he will withdraw his candidature and support Cardinal Gotti. Cardinal Dipietro'a chance is still considered the best. Rome, August 2. The meeting of the Conclave in the Sistine Chapel opened at 4 o'clock. At 11.15 a dense white Smoke issued from the chimney connected with the stove, where the voting papers were being burned. Ths smoke was due to the addition of damp straw, indicating that the first ballot had proved without result. The second ballot which finished at 6 had a similar conclusion. Ten thousaud persons were assembled in the Square awaiting the result. They dispersed half-an-hour later. Italian troops are posted in the vicinity of the Vatican to ensure liberty in the deliberations. All food aud communications are passed through four revolving trap doors," guarded by six officials. All letters and newspapers passing in are scrutinised by the censor. Even chickens and fish are opened before being admitted. These steps are taken to prevent any unathorised communications reaching the Cardinals.