Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1883-07-20
THE POPE.
How He Looks and How Ho Lives.

1t is still necessary to remember that two
reign IN Rome, says writer in
the London Globe. The pope, though un-
seen, still rcigns over subjects more numcr-
Gus than those of Caesar were. His is still
the old Rome, with Its hoary atmosphere of
antiquity, its lor.uous streets, frowning walls
and dim grandcurs. AS to the new Rome,
with miles of square blocks of box-iike
houses broad windy streets, and rare un-
finished spaces, no one could associate these
with Papal memories; and it IS of this SOW
ereigu would speak, not of the King. The
Pope is now "a, Il tall, thin, ivory-compleX-
ionci man, with benignant expression aud
smiling lips, bearing the stamp of ndelible
iirmness-thc expression of man to bend,
but never to break. Some one has said he
has the mask of Voltaire. but this is non
sense. There is none Of the salurniue
duplicity, and depressed mouth aud pron.i-
nent chin, or spectral smile. Leo Mi. is
tall lie wears his years well walks upright,
and thus makes the most Of his inches.
His hair is now snow-white, and naturally
forms into crown about his finely developed
brow his long face is serene. his small eyes
dancing with intelligence add to this har-
monious sonorous voice and wide knowl-
edge of languages, which he speaks with the
correctness OF professor. AS Archbishop OF
Perugia he was greatly beloved by laity and
clergy; aud that he loved Perugia is atlcsled
by the number of attendants he brought with
him TO Rome. There is no effort about him
eloquent bravadoes, like plous TX, and
commits no bunders. His are the arms Of
diplomacy, the old Papal weapons which he
wields like veteran while he patiently auc
surely awaits their action. Political and
pous, cautious and firm, the Papacy under
him again becomes one OF the great politica
institutions of the world. 1t is impossible t.
forget that the temporal government OF
Pope Plus was disastrous, aud that, mount
ing the Papal throne in possession of all it
plentitude, he at his death had lost every
visage Of power. On the other hand, neve
was spiritual authority carried to such {
PITCH and never did Catholics so obedieutly
gather around their high priest, as now.
the Archbishop of Cashel had lived in Plus
days he would Eever have ventured on al
independent course, nor would SO many o
the clergy of Ireland have followed him.
An carly riser, the Pope's first hours ar
spent In private prayer. At seven o'clocl
he celebrates mass. At eight he breakfast
upon cup OF chodolate, and meanwhil
reads dispatches. At nine he receives til
Secretary of State, Cardinal Jacobini, an
then such ecclesiastical projects and secre
taries OF religious bodies as are In waiting
AT twelve come princes and ambassadors, an
at one o'clock follow prayers and a mos
frugal dinner (his table expenses are calcu
, lated at two francs and half day. Aite
, dinner little exercise is procured by Wis
to the chapels within the Vaticad, and theme
to the garden, to which he is carried throug
the long halls of immortal sculpture in
most dalntily constructed sedan chair line
, with white satin. AS the Pope is fond {
, gardening, it is here he receives such casu
visitors us are admitted, discoursing to the
, , often of his shrubs and flowers rs a reiuA
from more important and difficult subject
I 1t was in this garden that |, and twenty-fi
other persons, recently awaited him. Pr
, ceded by three Of the Guardia Mobile, chose
. among the noble families of Rome, h
a holiness came, his cdmeriere agreto. Mo
a siGnor Macchi by his side, laige border,
a red hat upon his head, and an ample r,
mantle covering snow white robes. One
"a one we were presented, he giving to each
q us ample time to look ut him and feel Il
a welcome.
u 1t is well said 1t IS only those overwhelm,
}. by work who are ever ut leisure. You a
% lrish," he said to me; 'it il great consul
IS ton to a person like me TO receive h
o faithful of that nation. Your bishops co
:. to me with the generous offerings OF un il
o poverished people, Then seeing, or fame
rs ing he saw that / was incommoded by II
,r kneeling position, he stretched out his ha
d 10 raise me. II have thought" he continue
,r ''that in the general distress these offerin
ic must diminish, but 1t Is not so.' Then wi