HIS HOLINESS THE POPE.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 962, 7 August 1903, Page 2

HIS HOLINESS THE POPE.

A POPULAB SELECTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, Aug. 5. The Times says the choice of Pope was excellent, though unexpected. Sarto is intensely charitable, and was always greatly, interested in tho poor. His relations with the Italian Government are excellent, though he is an uncompromising upholder of the rights and pretensions of the Papacy. Borne, Aug. 5. The strugglo between Cardinals Eampolla and Vannutelli continued until the fifth ballot, when it was recognised that a transition Pope was a necessity. Bampolla’s partisans then voted for Dipietro, aad Vannutelli’s for Sarto, who, on tho sixth ballot, received 32 votes. Bampolla then gave way, the soventh ballot giving Sarto considerably over tho nccossary twothirds majority of votes. Dipietro’s reluctance to accopt election, owing to the state of his health, assistod Sarto.

The latter’s election, though it camo as a great surprise, has be’on well received in all tho capital cities. Austrian political circles oxpress the liveliest satisfaction. The Emperor of Austria telegraphod and asked the Pope’s benediction. Gormany preferred Cardinals Vannutolli or Agliardi, yet considers Sarto acceptable owing to his mild, sympathetic temperament, deeply religious and politically oolorless convictions, Franco is much surprised, and disposed to think France’s relations with tho Vatican may now improvo. The Austrian Cardinals, early in the Ttting of the conclavo, intimated the Austrian Government's intention to veto the election of Rampolla. The Coronation has been fixed for December Bth. Pope Pius has decidod to give his benediction when elected in tho interest of St. Peter’s. The crowd, it was hoped, will be given the outer balcony as a sign of the reconciliation of the Vatican with the Italian Government.

POLITICAL PIQUE.

By Telegraph—Press Assooiation—Copyrighl Received 10.25 p.m., August 6. Rome, Aug. 6.

The Premier has warned the Prefects that sinco the Pope has not informed the Government of his election, officials must not participate in ecclesiastical rejoicings.

FURTHER DETAILS. By Telegraph—Press AssociationCopyright. Received 0.33 a.m., Aug. 7. ROME, Aug. 6. At the first, the struggle was between Cardinal Rampolla (supported Iby France) and Cardinal Gotti (supported by Germany). Then Cardinal Sarto began to come forward, securing on Sunday evening 24 votes to Rampolla’s 30. Cardinal Sarto’k position improved at subsequent ballots, while Cardinal Rampolla’s steadily declined, the final result being : Sarto 50 Rampolla 10 Gotti 5 It is reported that Cardinal Gruscba on Sunday morning intimated that Austin vetoed Rampolla, desiring a Pope who would not maintain hostility with Italy. A dramatic scene ensued.

Rampolla, palo with rage, protested against the arbitrary interference of temporal power- on the strength of a right which the church had never admitted, and which in any case had long fallen in abeyance. He declared that personally he had no desire to undertake the heavy burdeD of tho tiara. The French and several Italian Cardinals strongly disapproved Cardinal Gruscha’s action.

Rampolla’s position momentarily improved. Then 32 Cardinals declared they preferred a Pope who would re-establish ecclesiastical discipline without special sympathies with either the triple or dual alliance. J Sarto’s chance then suddenly improved, to his unfeigned dismay. On Monday morning, when he was leading, ho implored his colleagues to support another, as he neither could nor would accept the tiara. Most urgent insistence was needed to induce his acceptance. He will be crowned at Saint Peter’s on Sunday.