The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1874-11-21

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Appearance.
A correspondent of the New Orleans
Picayu,e, "s. N. NJ" who has recently
seen the Pope of Rome, thus narrates the
particulars of his visit
One Of the most to be desired events in
a visit to Rome, is to have the privilege of
seeing aud speaking to the Holy Father
himself, and accordingly we set about,
shortly after our arrival in the Eternal
City, to obtain the means for an open
sesame of his presence.
Our first impulse was to wait upon our
American Consul, but failing to see Mr..
Marsh, were told that in consequence of
the alacrity with which the American
legation has recognized the entry into
Rome of King Victor Emanuel, and the
Italian army Of occupation, they were not
in very good odor at the Vatican and rec
commended US to apply to the President of
"Collegio Americana" Catholic institu-
tion for the instruction Of young priests
from the United States, where we were
very kindly and courteously received but
learned that the President was Sin retreat"
at the country villa at Tivoli, belongingto
the college, and could not be seen for
several days
Our stay being limited, we began to
think of our disappointments, but learning
that it was through Monseigneur Recchi.
the Grand Chamberlain that permission
was granted for an audience, nothing
daunted to Monseigneur Recchi we went,
and presenting ourselves at the entrance
Of the Vatican to the com ical looking
Swiss guards, or harlequins, dressed in
tights, trunks, and pulled jackets of Grim.
son and yellow striped material and carry
ing halberts or long spears on their arms,
we offered our card and boldly demanded
admission to the chambers of the cardinal.
The captain of the guard promptly sent
one Of the harlequins with us, and after
trayersing several grand staircases we were
ushered into the presence of Monseigueur
Recchi. Here new difficulty beset us;
the Chamberlain could not speak a word
of English, but blunderingly brushing up
our best French, we urged our suit as best
we could, first receiving fiat refusal as
contrary to all etiquette, but finally re-
ceived promise to have invitations sent
to our hotel next day, If our credentials
were satisfactory.
The coveted missives promptly appeared
large printed official documents in
mammoth envelopes, with delicate hint
in one corner that you would be expected
to appear in costumes de rigeur, which
consisted Of full dress black coat, vest and
unmentionables, with white cravat aud
gloves, for gentlemen and black dress,
black lace veil and gloves, for ladies.
1t was also strictly forbidden to ask for
the Pope's autograph, to present articles
to him, or maintain lengthy conversation.
At the hour named, ia A. NJ, we
drove up to the principal entrance TO the
Vatican and were first shown into the
bureau of Monseigneur Recchi, where the
very gentlemanly Secretary politely ex-
amined and approved our invites, and then
had us conducted some distance to the
reception room. Here we were met by
the ushers or funkeys, dressed from head
to foot in brilliant scarlet silk costumes
including scarlet stockings and shoes,
where our credentials were again examined,
and in few minutes were ushered into
the audience chamber Of His Holiness
This room was about seventy-fye feet
long by about thirty-fve feet wide, and
though elaborately decorated, fell short Of
our expectations as the grand audience
chamber, and had withal rather seedy
look about it.
It contained scarcely any furniture, save
the antiquated chairs placed in rows
around it, and at the upper end raised
dais, with large, handsomely gilt chair or
throne upon it.
t
Thirty-fye persons awaited the coming
Of the good old man for nearly an hour
with nothing to relieve tho monotony
excepting the occasional entrance Of new
conner, or the whisperings Of friends, as
we patiently speculated upon the door
through which the Pope would enter, and
the jingling of rosaries and other articles
in the hands Of the guests desiring 70
have them blessed.
Presently crimson baize door near the
throne was thrown open, aud, after one or
two cardinals and some officers Of State
walked in, we stood in the presence Of
Pope Plus TX himself.
He was attended BY quite a brilliant
suite Of cardinals, including Cardinal
Antoaelli, officers and other dignitaries and
three or four Of the Swiss guard.
The first impression upon seeing His
Holiness Is one Of unspeakable love and