Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1878-01-25

hIS' AlpeIt Macy' III heDIuhfy Nluo hWake.l /
MONDAY EvENING-Haye seen |
Pho Mono - have committed no |
enormity.
Accoring to directions, in black
dress, black veil, la Spanish lady, |
ungloyed hands (what an appear
ance at a Presidential reception) |
we were attired. Took a carriage
for the Vatican. Before we left
home the padrona viewed us, pro-
nounced us all right, and earnestly
sought the privilege of selecting
coach for us. She had an eye to
style. Is it possible that she did
not give us credit for the same
"strengh," and we travelling Ameri-
cans? 1t is to be confessed that the
horses were less like donkeys than
otherwise might have been. Trying
the knee the last thing before leav-
ing the house, there were certainly
reason for encouragement, though
still lingering humility.
Our ride was subdued, but we
reached St. Peters, passed through
the elegant halls of the Pope's pal
ace, surpassed. only by those of the
Pitt at Florence in their gold and
fresco, and were ushered into the
reception room of Pic Mono.
This apartment, long and mar
row, seemed moe like a corridor
than hall. Its beauties are de-
scribed in various guide books, so
that "they who read can see"
We were the only Protestants.
The other ladies were laden with
magnificent rosaries, pictures, toys,
ribbons, etc, for the holy fathers
blessing. Even l purchased one of
the first, viz, a rosary, to undergo
the same ceremony as a gift to a
much-loved servant at home.
We sat here many minutes in
quiet (inwardly longing to try the
ialD. At length the pope was led
in. We forgot our trials. A coun-
tenance SO benign, beaming with
goodness, spread a cheer through
out the assembly. We took the
floor naturally and involuntarily.
Except in dress, he might have
been any old patriarch. The white
robe, long and plain, gave him ra-
ther the appearance of a matriarch.
1t CHANGED that his holiness
passed first up the right side Of the
hall. We sat vis-a-yls, so that we
had the benefit of all that he said
before we came in turn. While ad-
dressing the right, who continue
on their knees, the left rise. AS
he turns to the latter they again
kneel, whereas those opposite
change from this posture to the
standing.
The pope talked now in French,
now in Italian-mostly in the for
mer. AS he approached our party
we were introduced merely as Amer
leans, but our religion was stamped
upon our brows. Turning kindly
to my young daughter, who wore as
an ornament a chain and cross, he
said, as if quite sure of the fact,
"YOu can wear your cross outside
as an ornament; | am obliged to
wear mine inside as a cross" where
upon, with a smile, he drew this
emblem from his wide ribbon sash,
showing her a most elegant massive
cross of gold and diamonds, prob
ably the most valuable one in the
world. AS he replaced this mark
of his devotion, his countenance
expressing a recognition Of our
Professionalism, perhaps a pity for
our future, placing his hand upon
our heads, he passed on. The bless
ing of a good old man, whatever
his faith, can injure no one, and
may not be without its efficacy, ,even
though it rest upon a disciple Of
George Fox.
l shall never cease to be glad that
| have seen Pho Mono.