The Election of Pius X

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXXI, Issue 35, 27 August 1903, Page 15

The Election of Pius X

THE PEOPLE WAITING- FOR THE NEWS.

In the San Francisco mail news, transmitted from Auckland, appears the following graphic description of how the intimation of the election of Pope Pius X. was received by the expectant multitude outside the Vatican palace :—: — On the morning of the fourth day of the Conclave when the hour of 11.15 sounded the crowd assembled at the Vatican left their shelter and expected the smoke would ascend from the chimney attached to the stove in a few minutes, as it had consistently given its signal at about this hour since the Conclave commenced. The minutes sped on, and still no smoke was seen. When the bells sounded at 11.30 the Ministers and others left their carriages and joined the watchers on the steps of

the Basilica. Inside St. Peter's many also were waiting, and the suspense brought thousands running from nearby streets. The delay on the fourth morning of the Conclave being interpreted to mean that a decision had at length been reached, the troops spread themselves across the square, and a nervous anticipation possessed them all. Hundreds of surmises passed from mouth to mouth, and the minutes seemed like hours. St. Peter's. boomed out the three-quarters of the hour, and there was still no sign. A secon d later the great central window of St. Peter's facing the Piazza swung slowly open. A loud shout arose, and all rushed madly towards the Cathedral. , At the open window half a dozen Vatican attendants appeared. Suddenly there broke out into the fierce sunlight the gorgeous banner bearing the Cardinal's arms. Reinforcements of troops crossed the Piazza at 1 the double quick. They closed their ranks and held back many who strained every nerve to get close to the window. For a minute or so none knew to Which Cardinal belonged the arms so significantly displayed. Then the rumor arose that they were Cardinal Sarto's, but few persons were absolutely sure of their identity.. The tension was soon relieved when Cardinal Macchi,' in his Cardinal's robes, and carrying a large red book-, and preceded by a glittering cross, appeared at the window. A wild shout went up, and Cardinal Macchi waved both hands for silence. In a second a solemn hush fell on the_scene, broken only by a sharp word of command from an .officer and the rattle wherewith the . troops brought their rifles to the present. In clear tones Cardinal Macchi read the preamble, the people below being scarcely able to sustain themselves until he reached thel word ' Sarto>' when a terrific roar went up. Those out of hearing of the Cardinal's voice joined in the acclamation, and the whole square became one mass of men and women throwing hats in the air, shouting and cheering at the top, of their voices. Vainly the Cardinal waved his hand for silence. The long pent-up feeling of those who had watched the ' fumata ' for four days now found outlet, and for some minutes they could not be suppressed. Finally it was quiet enough for Cardinal Macchi to proceed' and say that the new Pontiff had taken the name of Pius X. Then, with his blessing on the crowd, the Cardinal disappeared from the window, and the attendants quickly drew up the banner.