THE PAPACY.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 6035, 4 August 1903, Page 2

THE PAPACY.

Rome, August 2. The Cardinals in conclave celebrated mass at 6.30 this morning. It is rumoured that the first ballot was informal, and that eight of the candidates received substantial support, Cardinais Ratupolla and Vannutelli heading the list. Depietro and Capecalatiuo following. After lunch a conference was held with the object ot reaching an agreement, but the second ballot was practically the same as the first. Cardinal Herrar kept his bed while the voting was proceeding. Three infirmary employees fetched the voting papers from his cell. Kome, August 3. Four inconclusive ballots have been taken, no candidate having yet received the necessary two-thirds majority. It is reported that Cardinal Rarnpolla on the fourth ballot obtained 30 votes. Inside the Vatican Swiss Guards watch every court, staircase, and gateway, while Church officials render it impossible to hold any communication with the inner enclosure. Some signalling from a Vatican window induced Cardinal Oreglia to strengthen the precautions. Tens of thousands of people are assembled in the vicinity of the Vatican waiting for the smoke signals in readiness to acclaim the Pope. A fish bone which became lodged in Cardinal Rampolla's throat made it necessary to call in surgical aid. Another fruitless ballot was completed to-day. The Spanish Cardinals were dismayed that a room was not provided for incessant cigarette smoking. The Camerlengo was dismayed at the suggestion, but the Spaniards persisted in smoking anywhere about the Vatican.