The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-01-02

limo. one of his secretaries, for whom he has a
special liking. Between 10 and half past he
taxes another cup Of boulon with some cold
meat remaining from his dinner, and then goes
to bed, every night at IL precisely. be does not
sleep very well when he has been much fatigued
during the day CO when the seasons are chang
ing. He is by nature very nervous and extreme
~ impressionable. This is SO well known that
many intriguing people know well now to make
him hesitate or show embarrassment oy send
ing him anonymous letters
When he has Important work In hand he shuts
himself up alone. and often becomes SO absorbed
that he constantly wipes his pen on the sleeves
of his white cassoek. His valet always inspects
the sleeves of his cassock before the audiences
When he has private secretary engaged upon
any important work he gives him what he wants,
and then locks him mp, visiting him every two
hours bring him refreshments and to in
spect his work. He will not permit any one to
enter his bedroom, when he is not there. He
always locks its door when he goes out 1t Is
probably on account of the papers he leaves be-
hind scattered on the floor and even over the
bed.
He is an indefatieable worker, and occasion :
ally, when absorbed, has to be reminded when
his bedtime has arrived He is at times unreason-
able in his demands upon his assistants. One
morning he asked one of his secretaries to pre-
pare a report upon the Catholic schools OF Rome,
with the number of pupils. the progress they
had made. the hours Of study. the classes to
which they belonged their ages and positions,
and the occupation of their parents This re-
port he required to be furnished that evening.
The secretary timidly ventured to suggest that
as there are $50 separate schools and some $4,000
pupils he would need more time.
'That is just" said the Pope; take hill the
day after tomorrow"
The Pope is an enthusiastic botanist and
often personally instructs his head gardener
He is also fond of talking with noblemen of his
guard, because they, being young aud In the
best Roman society, know everything going on.
As the Pope never goes out of the Vatican. he
learns from his guardsmen all the news OF
Rome.
He is very frugal and sober. When he was
elected Pope it is related Of him that when he
first sat down to dinner as Pope he found an ex-
ira dish on the table not ordered by him. The
servant, when called. explained that this extra
dish was prepared In honor OF his election. The
Pope then said
"Do you think caa eat more as Pope than as
CardinaH Don't let this occur again. shall
regulate my own stomach"
Leo XIII affords striking evidence of the wis
dom OF regular and sober regimen. In his
youth ne was delicate and often his life was In
danger. When he elected Pope it was
believed that he would not live long. He did
not think himself. But he has been Pope fo-
ten years and is now in good health, although
not strong.
On the next day after his election his nephews
called to congratulate him and to pay their
respects
'Ah, well" said he s'then you are satisfied to
your uncle elected to the papal sovereignty
However. do not forget one thing-I will never
be papal nepotist. III some of my predecessors
have enriched their families. be sure that / will
not initiate Them" He has kept his word. After
having spent only few hundred thousand francs
in rebuilding the palace of mis- family, he has
disbursed MILLIONS of francs upon hospitals be-
nevoent institutions aud churches at Carpiueto,
his native place. One Of the most remarkable
of the institutions endowed by his private purse
is an asylum for poor children Now he is pre-
occupied with procuring better water supply
the Pope are preparing for heavy expenditures
in this direction.