Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-05-24
LEO WILL RETRENCH.
Greater Economy Of Expenses Is
Necessary at the Vatican.
THE STEP DEEMED SIGNIFICANT.
For the First Time Since Sixtus VS.
Reign Pope Interferes.
AMERICA is THE BEST CONTRIBUTOR

ROME, May 23.-The Pope is taking steps
to secure greater economy of expenditure
at the Vatican. He has appointed COM
mission, consisting of three cardinals,
charged to do their utmost to effect re-
duction in expenses. 1t is believed to be the
first time since Sixtus V. that a Pope has
interfered in the constitution of the con-
gregations of Rome.
The people are beginning to ask whether
this step means that the Pope is about to
simplify the complicated work of Sixtus v,
as not being in harmony with the existing
needs of the church. This initiative might
have the happiest results, for the simplifca-
ton and Capitalization of public services
could be a public step toward the adapta-
tion of services TO the particular exigencies
of our times.
Cause of the Proposed Retrenchment.
From financial point of view the pro-
posed reductions in expenses are probably
due to the increased demands upon the
Holy See. The misery and effects of the
national bankruptcy of the funds. of the
Vatican have considerably augmented the
extraordinary expenses. Everybody asks
money of the Pope. Then, again,
the work of the Holy See
is continually increasing Leo XIII,
has created at Rome, and especially in the
mission fields, special undertakings which
require much money. The crusade against
slavery has absorbed considerable sums. The
Pope is lavishing his endowments to schools,
sciences and benevolent agencies. eoXIII.
is not so liberal to persons as was Plus TX,
but to causes of general interest his gener-
osity borders on prOdigality.
LibeIs of the Radical Press of Italy.
1t is the practice of the Radical press Of
all countries, and especially of Italy, at
times, to represent the Pope as disposing Of
millions on millions; as surrounded by lux
uries and magnifcence of an Eastern pOten-
tate, and exploiting for interested pur-
poses the faith of his people At other
times it represents that the contribu-
tions of st. Peters pence are dwindling
to insignificant proportions, and that the
Pope will soon be obliged to accept the an
nufty of 3,OO0,OO0 francs set apart for him
by the italian Government under the
guarantee law. Neither of these repre-
sentatives is accurate. While the
resources of the Pope are less than
the civil list of the most European
soyereigns, yet by wise administration these
resources, if not adequate to the needs Of
the church, are sufficient to insure the work.
ing of its principal services. The revenues
of the pontifcal budget are disbursed sub
stantially as follows: -
Where the Vatican Money Goes.
AT the disposal of the Pope, 500, 900 franesj
for poor dioceses, 460, 900 francs; Prefecture
of the Apostolic Palaces, 1,3OO, 900 francs;
the Secretaryship of State, 1,000,0 900 francs;
employees and functionaries, 900, 900 francs;
pontifcal schools and alms-giving, ,20e, 900
francs.
The 5O0,O 900 francs at the disposal of the
Pope serves to maintain his household, and
also to meet the other expenditures not in
cluded under the other headings of the
budget, such as the costs of decoration, in-
sigma presents to princely personages, etc.
The resources are difficult to estimate,
even by the administration of st. RNter's.
The Pope receives directly vast sums, part
of which is devoted to extraordinary ex-
penses. In Peters pence the United States
now contributes more than France, the next
most liberal country. Then follows in the
order named Belgium, Holland, Spain,
Germany, and last of all, Italy.