HASTENED by the cataclysm which has fallen upon the European world, the death of the Pope has come as a shock to those whose thoughts have been absorbed by the news from the area of war. Nevertheless, the health of his Holiness has been of so delicate a nature that it is not surprising to learn that the knowledge of the infamy perpetrated by the war lords of the Continent produced such mental depression that the venerable Pontiff was unable to resist the attack which such a condition made upon an enfeebled frame. Thus it was that in the early hours of yesterday morning Pius X. passed to his rest. Whatever judgment may be passed upon the policy of his reign, the personality of Pius X. has strongly appealed to the many Catholics who do not admit the Papal claim to universal jurisdiction, and his example of devotion and simplicity, no less than of paternal affection for all committed to his care, has been edifying to the whole world. His death at the present time is a loss to Europe, and insuperable difficulties present themselves in assembling in conclave the cardinals of the central European countries. It would be a misfortune if the election rested with the Italian members of the Sacred College, uninfluenced by the representatives of the Church in France, Germany, and Austria.