The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-02-13
nECEIyING THE PREs1pENr,s GIFT.

Indications that the Copy of the Constitution
Was Welcome Present to the Pope.
Letter in Baltimore sun.
The cordiality and unfeigned delight with
which the Pope received the gift Of President
Cleveland and the American delegation who
brought it was a noticeable feature of the golden
jubilee in the Vatican. On no occasion, say the
cardinals and other prelates who surround the
Pontiff in daily life, did he manifest such in
tense pleasure the receipt of an Offering as
when the copy of the Constitution of the United
States was placed in his hands. His actions at
the former reception. as well as subsequently,,
bore testimony to his feelings. Not a syllable
uttered by Archbishop Ryan in his address es-
capped his attention Every word was weighed
carefully.
The answer of the Pontiff was lively, with
tender expressions and vigorous sentiments.
Though apparently man physically weak by
continued confinement in the Vatican, he arose
from his throne with CELEBRITY and expressed his
thanks for the album in manner impressive
and natural that even his soldiers, accustomed
to hear him speak often every day had their
eyes riveted to his face by the fervor he dis
played. There was question he felt the honor
of the gift of President Cleveland intensely nor
were his words few. He spoke nearly five min
utes. During his remarks he enumerated on
his.fnger tips the offerings he received from
European sovereigns. When he reached the
climax OF his remarks and said that the gift of
tho President of the United States was most
pleasing one, his countenance was ra diant with
delight His contsmpative joy went into the
language that followed, and even the attending
members of the papal court, schooled in the
serve and quietude of their sphere, could not
suppress exhibitions OF happiness. Altogether
the occasion was memorable The gift of
no potentate was accepted with more pomp, GER
tainly not with as much genuine kindness.
Res pendent in its gorgeous array of red silk
tapestried walls. crimson hued Brussels carpet
and costly gilded furniture the throne-room, in
one end of which dais of red velvet sup
porting magnificent white chair with plush
back. decorated in the papal coat-of-arms, be-
meath n huge red canopy. alive with figures
dressed in wonderful richness and splendor. In
front of the throne the Pope occupied, after
making entrance through side door from
tall, fine-lookng individuals, heavily mus
tached, and every one a member of the Roman
nobility. On o perpendicular line with each
right shoulder was a shining steel sword,
held by handle OF gold in gioved grasp. From
yell ow-metal helmet to helmet the sunshine
danced and made all sorts of curious reflections
on the vely-ornamented walls. The tops
of highly polished boots reached far above knees
hidden in pure white trousers. Black broad
cloth cutaway coats were literally covered in
front with gold buttons and medals. Ecclesi-
berlains in pink robes, black silk stockings and
buckled shoes: monsgnori in purple gowns and
stockings; archbishops and bishops with circles
of gold around their necks and gold crosses
dangling their breasts and cardinals In the
sparkling lustre of their official garments, how
cred in graceful contrast of group and outline
near the seat of the Pope.
The Pontif wore an exterior coat OF white silk
that buttoned from tas throat to the feet A
white silk zucchetta was on his head ard red
silk shoes, embroidered In designs OF gcld on
his feet At the conclusion of his address he in
vited the delegation to private audience that
lasted nearly an hour. This held in . COM
parativsly small apartments, just outside the
labors, and where he received only, until the
Americans entered it. the ENJOYS ex-
trAordinary Of countries Three iniald tables