The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-07-30
Plus TX. "AT HOME"
AUDIENCE GIVEN By THE POPE TO OFFICERS
AND CREW OF THE UNITED STATES STEAMER
GETTySBURG.

AND CREW OF THE UNITED STATES STEAMER
GETTYSBURG.
ROME, July s, 1871
On the 80 OF July the United States steamer Gettys
burg fourth rate), Lieutenant Commander II. II.
Gorrnge commanding, arrived at Civita vecchia.
Italy On the following day thcrc was tho usual At
tempt the part Of Jack TO recall to his seaworn
memory those festivities which Incidental to
the Fourth Of his boyhood in that distant land he still
called home. There boat race in the morning,
dinner at noon and dancing In tho forecastc after
that Flags icstooncd overhead, awning staucnions
covered with sprigs OF trees furnished tho ballroom,
while the perspripg efforts OF several Washington
.coored boys' made the foreign air heavy with tho
melody OF brsakdowns ard Virginia reels Then came
the trip Rome those who desired to go, and that
night and on the following day many took advantage
OF the opportunity.
THE AUDIENCE WITH Plus TX.
Audiences with tho Pope, usually conducted,
simply consist IN knceling aud kissing tho ring thu
Popc's finger he passed from his private room
through tho other OF the Vatican hts way TO
the usual morning relaxations in the gardens of tho
palace. Tho of the presentation OF the officers
and crew of the Gettysburg, which was arranged for
July @. was, however, one OF unusual length and in
erost ON tho arrival at the Vatican the oniccrs
surprised to find waiting such unexpectedly largo
number OF the OF their vessel, but still
more so to learn that all wcrc to be presented
at the coming auuicncc. Ascending the broad flights
Of marble stairs that lead to tho upper halls oil tho
great Vatican and returning NJ almost every corner the
salutcs OF tho guards whosc fantastic uniforms con
United States navy, the officers were naily ushercd
into a spacious room whero tho marble floors, the
lofty walls covered with gorgeous tapestry the dim
light and little group OF men dressed all IN sonbre red
gave 1T expression TO tho grandeur and excusvcness
OF the house OF tho head OF the Church. One OF these
rcd uniformed coming tiptocing across the room
took away tho permit for audience from the pay
master and beckonei to follow him.
INTO THE VATICAN
From room TO room, each more beautiful than the
one preceding, till finally he pointed to the open door
OF smaller apartment where were arranged straight
backed chairs around the walls and tapestry OF Scrip
tura hung from ceiling to floor. Soon the
major domo OF the Popca priest dressed In dark pur
pie gown, and with small but good natured lace
In aud motioncd the officer to still another room.
ARRIVING thcrc--thc second ducal chambcr-,hcy
found large number of the OF the Gettysburg
about thirty IN ali-arranged In scmlcrc!e from
door the other After tedious half hour of waiting
there came finally two mon In red uniforms, who
took between them the open chair supported OH long
handles extending each way. With this chair they
ROOM whio around 1t collected crowd OF cardinals
and bishops officers Of the Noble Guard and private
came seated IN tho chair, borne by the two men IN
red and followed by brong Of the great dgntaries OF
the Church. few people were waiting in the room
preceding ours, and the Pope, as he carried past
extended his hand for each person to kiss the ring.
But few moments elapsed before tho officers Of the
Noble Guard walking In front of the char arrived at
GALL AMERIcANs"
All knelt MS the chair entered the room Tho Popo
appeared surprised at the unexpected number aud
probably ut the strange dress Of his visitors. He
asked OF what nation and when told Americans, Your
Holinessn he motloned 10 his bearers to place his
chair in the centre OF the room, which being Done the
United States officers brought by major dOmo
to its side and specially presented Knccng they
kissed the ring OF the extended hand OF Pope but
were unable 10 answer the questions he asked them
neither understood the Italian language, and the Pope
spoke only u few words Ia English However, the
these were Amcricans-people Of the United States
and were the officers ana crew Of the American
veto at Civita Vecchia The Popo then raised his
hand with extended fingers, and all present kneelcd
till he had lowered It,
CARDINAL HOWARD
He then inquired for Cardinal Howard (thc English
bishop recently made cardnal), and on his coming and
standing behind the chair the Pope said Italian, "To
all Catholics extend my blessing and to all Prot
that they may be led in the way OF the truth"
This interpreted by Cardinal Howard utter which the
men came one after another kneeling and kissing the
ring the Pope frequently asking questions, his face full
OF curiosity to his blue shrtcd visitors and breaking
and then into quiet, satisfied smile
crossed himself dcvoutly before krcclire
AMERICAN SHAKE
He asked II there we're many Catholics among the
men and told little story OF how once, many, many
years apo he had gone aboard an American NAV war
and some Of tho officers had offered him cognac, at
which all the cardinals laughed, but not moro than
when of the sailors took the extended band OF the
Pope and shook II heartily. After all had come tho
chair again raised, and, the sailors being arranged
the Pope, extending his hand in blessing, passed from
the ROOM Cardinal Howard saying that ellis Holiness
bcsses all rosrcs and else that yc may have
brought here for that purpose So ended the audience
The later years OF Pope Piux TX been allowed Ameri
cans,