Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1875-12-28
TRAITS OF THE POPE.

Tho Old HAN Fond Of HIS Joke
How He Regards TheateFs = A
Great SnuH-TaKer.
The Roman correspondent Of the Con,
stitutionnel gives some curious and in.
teresting details of the inner life of the
Pope. 1t is we'll known Sat Plus X is
fond Of his joke He cracks his wit on
all occasions In 1872, Mgr. de Merode
broke his leg while inspecting some
houses he was having built. The Holy
Father paid him a visit in his apartments
in the Vatican, whittier the Bishop had
been conveyed. After condoling with
him on his misfortune, the Pope, on leav.
ing, recommended him to be more pru.
dent in future, otherwise the maladie de
la pierre which tormented him, might
play him false. This was sly poke at
the Bishops mania for building stone
houses. On another occasion homeo.
pathic doctor demanded his beEediction
for a new hospital. The Pope at once
granted it, but in his letter be stipulated
that the blessing should be given, not
only to the doctors, but also to the az.
sistants, nurses, and everybody connect
cd with the establishment-that is TO say
it was not to be benediction dose
homeopathiqne. 1t has hitherto been
thought that Plus TX. holds theaters and
actors in the utmost adherence. If the
correspondent in question is to be be-
lieyed, his Holiness is nothing like 60
intolerant in the matter as he is repre-
sented. The Pope, it appears, has often
given proofs Of his good will toward the
sock and buskin. When a celebrated
local comedian, named Domenilone,
gave his farewell at the Vale Theater,
the Holy Father sent him fifty crowns
for box, which, however, he did
not occupy, much to the regret of
the actor. The Pope is an excellent
musician, and plays we'll on the violon-
cello. he possesses a good baritone
voice, which he exercises on all festive
occasions. He is very particular about
the getting up Of all religious fetes, and
on one occasion introduced novelty
which caused much surprise. 1t was ap-
ropos OF the prise de possession Of STD can
de Lateran. During the procession
round the confessional, the Pope, instead
Of marching to the right, went to the left.
The master Of the ceremonies was stupe-
fed, and, rushing up, exclaimed, San
tifa, this is the way, pointing to the
right The Pope took no notice, and
continued his route. Again the master
of the ceremonies advanced and said,
Il beg your pardon, Santifa, but this is
the way" The Holy Father turned, his
head aud replied, II beg your pardon
also, but this is the way" pointing to the
left. "Oh, very well" rejoined the mas.
ter OF the ceremonies, IF you wish to
make innovations / have nothing more
70 ssy-but this is the way, all the same.
81 va per di qui." We are next treated
TO some details OF the Ponti6cal ward
robe. His Holiness. who is o great snuff
taker, wears out FIVE cassocks year;
each cassock costs e20. His red cope
costs G32; it lasts him about a twelve.
month. His silk stockings, which are
made by Belgian house, cost "a pair
His shoes vary in price, according to tht
nature ofthe embroidered cross on them,
one pair is decorated with crosses OF bril-
lisnts, worth 949OO. The Pope's old
clothes are eagerly sought after by devo-
tees, who keep them as religious relics
and many are the faithful who write tc
him to beg the gift Of an old slipper or
pockethandkerchief; but the Holy Fa.
ther, as a rule, leaves the matter in the
hands of his valet, who naturally makes
fine pickings.