The New York herald., 1871-01-17
Message Of Thanks to America and
Opinion Of the Franco Prussian
War and Roman Question.
PRUSSIAS MISTAKE" AFTER SEDAN
The Cardinal Reports the InundatiOn in
the City-Its Sad Scenes and
Amusing Incidents.
Health of the Pope and His Daily
Exercise.
TELEGRAM TO THE new YORK HERALD.

TELEGRAM TO THE new YORK HERALD
LONDON Jan. 10, 1871.
The special correspondent of the HERALD in Rome
has forwarded a most important ana interesting
letter from the Holy City. l received the communl-
cation yesterday evening. The writer reports the
complete incident and result OF an interview which
was specially accorded to him in the Vatican by the
Cardinal Secretary Of State Of his Holiness Pope
Plus the Ninth (Antoneli and thus supplies matter
which is Of very great moment to the world large
and the narration Of which will attract particular
attention in America
transmit the letter verbatim by the cable to New
York. Il ss.f"T.-'a'
~ THE PONTIFF's sECLUsI0N.
The special correspondent OF the HERALD dates
in Rome the Sth inst aud writes as follows:-Tne
almost complete seclusion from the outside world
which has been maintained for such lengthy
period and with 30 much persistence by the Sove-
reign Pontin Pope Plus the Ninth. has been pro-
longed to such an to render it subject OF
universal comment Under such circumstances
special glance at the almost solitary walls Of the
Vatican cannot fail to interest the readers OF the
HERALD. more especially its many Catholic readers
In the United States and other countries.
VISIT TO THE VATICAN.
Acting in their behalf and In the discharge OF the
duties you have assigned to me proceed to chroni-
Gle the details OF visit which have Just made to
the Apostolic Palace.
THE SCENE OUTSIDE.
started from my residence yesterday with the in
tention Of seeking an interview with his Eminence
the Cardinal Secretary OF State Of the Holy See
tAntonellD in the Vatican. The Cardinal had pre-.
viously granted me permission to do by letter. in
which he promised q special meeting. l left the
house just after the Angeus had been rung from the
churches, a little before SIX O'Clock post meridian.
Even at this early hour Of the evening the city
roundings Of the Palace Of the Vatican were en-
veoped In a solemn tranquility which was sorrow.
ful, almost lugubrous. In Its effects on the mind.
Nearer to the doors the place was is usually,
crowded by sight-seers and retiring visitors.
made my approach to the palace under the right
colonnade. There was then only single hack in
waiting and the great door OF the corridor entrance
was about to be closed.
Two or three members OF the gensdarmes force
and one soldier OF infantry on sentry kept guard
in the street. They did not challenge or impede my
way
INSIDE rHE ANCIENT RESIDENCE.
A soldier OF the Swiss Guard was stationed just
inside the entrance.
AS ascended the steps, which are very steep
towards the door, touched gong, as Is required
by strangers and this announced my approach.
THE GUARDS.
The Swiss soldier on guard stepped forward i'm.
mediately to the threshold Of entry and demanded
to be informed as to my business.
mentioned Cardinal Antoners name in reply,
whereupon the sergeant, who was in command OF
application and the sentinel allowed me to pass
inward.
Advancing by the corridor staircase entered the
Court of St Damans.
Here found three or four gendarmes pacing up
and down. the men were uniformed for the night
having on their long and lowing cloaks. They
were marching, to and fro, each in separate line
Of route.
One Of the men came forward and opened the
glass door, which gives the grand staircase
which leads to the Pontifcal suit Of apartments,
and, still higher up to those which are occupied
and used BY Cardinal Antonelll.
Aocond,po tho stalro 7 founO that at avnrv turu
or wind OF the route there was stationed Swiss
guardsman, armed with the traditional halberd
which has been so frequently written about.
AT the door of the Cardinals residence, which ls
situated on the third noor found TWO members OF
the gendarmes.
CIVILIAN SERVANTS AND UsHKRs.
Passing the door OF an ample nall, which ap-
peared to be used place OF muster for the SER
came out and took my hat and cloak
Another servant OF the household ushered me
into an apartment OF still larger dimensions.
ECCLESIASTICAL ATTENDANTS.
Here found i've or six ecclesiastlcs sitting
around large table. They were engaged in an
animated conversation.
CEREMONY AND ETIQUETTE.
When entered one OF the clcrgymen rose imme-
diatey, and, taking my card, conducted me into a
lengthy salon, the walls Of which were hung with
some very good paintings.
After very few minutes tall gentleman pre-
late Of the Church. came out from the door Of