ave; or the daily
arrival in procession of the clergy and the brotherhoods to enquire at
the "rota" (turning-box) of the auditors of the Rota: "Habemusne
Pontificem?" and their return accompanied by the chanting of the "_Veni
Creator_"; or the "Marshal of the Holy Roman Church and perpetual
guardian of the conclave" visiting the churches in state. But a crowd
still collects morning and evening in the great square of St Peter's,
towards the time of the completion of the vote, to look for the smoke
which rises from the burning of the voting-papers after each session;
when the election has not been effected, a little straw is burnt with
the papers, and the column of smoke then apprises the spectators that
they have still no pope. Within the conclave, the cardinals, alone in
the common hall, usually the Sistine chapel, proceed morning and evening
to their double vote, the direct vote and the "accessit." Sometimes
these sessions have been very numerous; for example, in 1740, Benedict
XIV. was only elected after 255 scrutinies; on other occasions, however,
and notably in the case of the last few popes, a well-defined majority
has soon been evident, and there have been but few scrutinies. Each vote
is immediately counted by three scrutators, appointed in rotation, the
most minute precautions being taken to ensure that the voting shall be
secret and sincere. When one cardinal has at last obtained two-thirds of
the votes, the dean of the cardinals formally asks him whether he
accepts his election, and what name he wishes to assume. As soon as he
has accepted, the first "obedience" or "adoration" takes place, and
immediately after the first cardinal deacon goes to the _Loggia_ of St
Peter's and announces the great news to the assembled people. The
conclave is dissolved; on the following day take place the two other
"obediences," and the election is officially announced to the various
governments. If the pope be not a bishop (Gregory XVI. was not), he is
then consecrated; and finally, a few days after his election, takes
place the coronation, from which the pontificate is officially dated.
The pope then receives the tiara with the triple crown, the sign of his
supreme spiritual authority. The ceremony of the coronation goes back to
the 9th century, and the tiara, in the form of a high conical cap, is
equally ancient (see TIARA).

The right of veto.

In conclusion, a few words should be said with regard to the right of
_veto_