Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1890-03-14
a STRANGE SPECTACLE.

Buffalo Bill, HIS Cowboys and Indians In
the Halls of the Vatican-The Only In
dian Who Did Not Go Dies Suddenly
The following vivid description of the
visit of Buffalo Bill aid his Indians to the
Vatican is taken from dispatch from
Rome on Tuesday: One of the strangest
spectacles ever seen within the venerable
walls of the Vatican was the dramatic
entry of Buffalo Bill at the head of his In
dians aud cowboys yesterday morning,
when the ecCiesiasy yical secular. and mill
tary Court of the Papacy assembled to
witness the Twelfth Annual Thanksgiving
of Leo XIII, for his coronation. In the
midst OF scene of supreme splendor,
| crowded with old Roman aristocracy, and
surrounded with walls imnortallzed by
Michael Angelo and Raffaelo, there sud.
denly appeared host of savages in paint,
feathers, and blankets, carrying Iona
hawks and knives
A vast multitude surged into the great
square before st. Peters early in the
morning to witness the arrival of the
Americans. Before 9;30 O'clock the
Ducal Hall, Royal Hall, and Sistlne
Chapel were packed. Through the middle
of the three audiences was pathway
bordered with the brilliant unforms,of
Swiss Guards, PalatIne Guards, Papal
gendarmes, and private chamberains.
The sunlight fell upon lines of glitterlng
steel, nodding plumes, golden CHAINS,
shimmering robes of silk and all the
brilliant emblems of Pontilicial power and
glory.
Suddenly tall ciiitairbus figure ap-
peared at the entrace, and all eyes were
turned toward him. 1t was Buffalo Bill.
With a sweep of his great sombrero he
saluted the chamberlains. and then strobe
between the guards with his partner, Nate
Salisbury.
Next came Buck Taylor, who lowered
hugely above the tallest man in the palace,
his long hair tied back on his shoulders.
Then came Broncho Bill, in buckskin,
and after him trooped the cowboys,
| splashed with mud and picturesque be-
yond description. Rocky Bear lead the
Sioux warriors in the rear. They were
painted in every color imagination could
devite. Every one carried something to
present to the Medicine Man sent by the
Great Spirit. Rocky Bear rolled his eyes
and folded his hands on his breast as he
stepped on tiptoe throug the glowing sea
of color, and his braves furtively eyed the
halberds and two-handled swords of the
Swiss Guarde.
The Indians and cowboys were ranged
in the south corners of the Dueal Hall.
Buffalo Bill and Salisbury were escorted
to the Sistine Chapel by the chamber
lains, and were greeted by General Sher-
mans daughter A princess invited Col.
Cody to place in the tribune of the
Roman Mobiles. He stood facing the gor-
geous diplomatic corps, surrounded by
princes, mobiles and ancient families of
the city. When the Pope appeared, car
ried above the heads of his guards,
preceded by Knights Of Malta and Il
| proc ssion of Cardinals and Archbishops,
the cowboys bowed, and SO did the Indi-
ans. Becky Bear knclt and made the
sign of tie cross. The Pontiir leaned
yearLingly toward the rude groups and
blessed lhcm. lie ;, emed to be touched
by the sigh. A. the train swept on the
Indians became excited, and squaw
I flined fhey al hv"u warned not to
utter Il souud, aud Mere Mrh diiliculty
rrfraln"d from wHur ping. The Pope
/ lnokcd a. Cu NIL C,dv iulcu,y IL he
/ passed, aud the grea scout ben. low, rs he
Received Inc henrdiciion. After The
! thaLksgiN lnt mas, witt sts g"oI choral
/ accon, pauimen win now auI tact ,he
Popes pow Werful voice heard ringing
through the Sistln, Chapel, the great
audience poured out Of the Vatican.
When the Indi. wen. back to camp,
within sight OF the grim castle of Sun An
gelo, they found tho only warrior who
did not go to the Vatican dead in his
blanket. Rocky Bear told his followers
that the Great Spirit hal done it,
/