New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-22
EARLY YEARS.

The believer In heredity and the significance
CT precocious tendencies may find not little en-
conragement in the career of Vincenzo Gioac-
chino Pecci On the maternal side he was de-
seconded directly from Renzi. the last OF the
Tribunes"; wherefore the traits that have maze
him known as the Republican Pope are read
fly TO be explained. The son OF many genera
tons Of aristocrats and mobiles. his distinction or
manner man of the world is TO be taken as
a matter OF course. He was educated by the
Jesuits, and. therefore, thoroughly, especially IN
all which should make up the mental equipment
Of an astute Churchman. Moreover he was not
only precocous in his studies. but in tact in
dealing with others and power in directing and
leading them-a sure premoniton Of his extraor-
binary success in later life as a diplomat and
ruler
over not only his childhood years. but his
early service priest. Nuncio. Archbishop, and
what not Mr.. Mccarthy passes all too lightly
and perfunctorily. For ii after all the ma
jor part Of his career in point of time and was
fun OF significance as bearing upon his pontih-
cal career He was Apostolic Delegate at Bene-
vento at Spoleto and at Perugia. At the first
place he distinguished himself by suppression
Of brisandage Of which work many interesting
and characteristic tales TO be told, says Mr.
Mccarthy though unfortunately he relates only
one Of them From Perugia he went to Brussels
as Nuncio. and had there particularly interest.
ing career. He shone as man Of the world In
a society second only to that OF Paris in brill
fancy made the acquaintance of many per-
sonages then or since famous. learned French,
became interested in railroads and other mod
ern improvements" and acquired great repu-
tation for courtly polish and for sparkling wit
and repartee in conversation. OF all this the
historians account is likewise too meagre. CIV
ing us only bare outline Of what should be a
spirited and highly colored panorama.
From Brussels he recalled to Perugia. to
he for generation its Bishop. or Archbishop.
and then a Cardinal. At Perugia he ever
busy with the establishment and enlargement
of schools colleges and hospitals. finding
recreation in dabblng in literature especially
in Latin verse, of which lie is. perhaps the
greatest contemporary master But imagine
a Cardinal Archbishop of Perugia celebrating
in Latin verse the triumphs of the photographs
art. In the closing years of Plus the Ninth's
pontifcate he was made Cardinal Camerlengo'
or Chamberlain OF the Sacred College. an office
which. under his masterfu occupancy,
amounted practically 10 that Of sort of Vice
Pope. In that capacity he was acting Head Of
the Church during the brief space between the
death Of Plus and his own election to succeed
him 1t Is worthy of something more than
passing observation that he has never been
susrected even by his ant-Clerical foes. OF
having unduly used the influence Of his Cham
berlainship to his own advantage for securing
the election. There seems cause for doubt
ing that he was voluntarily chosen by his col
leagues because OF their conviction Of his pre-
eminent fitness to fill the Chair Of Peter; and
that considering the influences that have at
times prevailed and the stories Of intrigue
that have been told in the Sacred College.
is no mean tribute TO his worth.