The sun., 1897-07-04
PRICE FIVE CENTS
C0CKRAN'STALK WITH LEO.
THE LAWYER TELLS or HIS IN.
TERYIEW WITH THE POPE

MIR. Cochran Tells OF the Italian Eiectieus
ana Discusses italian Poiitics--The JinEo
Spirit OF EnEinnd's Jubites Not Hepresenta-
tive OF Her True Greatness--Europe win
Not Accept Free snvcr-Sar. Cochran IL
at Present Wan without . Party.
A reporter asked Mr.. Bourko Cochran yester-
day II It wero true that his recent visit TO Rome
was on mission from Archbishop Corrigan to
tho Pope
" Tho persistent circulation of that report
said he. "in tho face Of numerous dcnials illus
tratcs tho wonderful vitality Of lie. When I
decided 10 visit ltomo last winter secured let
ters OF introduction to some prominent coolest
astics. including two from Archbishop Corrigan.
To this extent, and to this extent only, was
tho Archbishop In any way concerned in
my movements. Through the weight Of
these letters and through tho interven-
tion Of Cardinal Satolli. whose acquaint-
anco ] mado In Washington, q private
audience was granted 10 mo by tho Holy Father.
This favor was granted an act Of courtesy to q
visitor from very distant land. There was
nothing significant or unusual about II. Its
favor which nothing but tho demands made ON
his strength by the multifarious duties of his So
cred Office prevents the Pope from granting more
frequently"
Was the difference OF opinion among tho 90
clesiastical authorities In this country on tho
question Of education mentioned In your con-
vcrsation with the Popef'
II there be any such differences OF opinion
am ignorant Of them. and am determined TO
remain ignorant Of them. I am personally 40
quainted with all the distinguished prelates
whose names have been mentioned by the news-
papers as taking one side or the other of the 30
called controversy. and there Is not one whom
do not hold in high esteem. while Archbish
Corrigan Ii not merely the spiritual head of the
diocese to which belong. but he is also friend
to whom / am warmly attached The personal
virtues OF these prelates no man question:
and IL there be divisions Of opinion among
them, that fact shows the zeal for faith and
morals by which they are animated. and doubt
less in good time they viii reach u common
ground on which their views will be reconciled.
Certainly have neither the disposition to in
terfere with them nor the presumption to think
that could assist them. / have. always felt
that It is the duty OF Catholic to obey the voice
OF authority when Il speaks on subjects with
which it is competent to deal, and while author
ity Is preparing to speak do not think It well
for laymen tn iptrude on fits deliberations or
attempt to disturb the processes by which It will
reach a final judgment
MOST INTERESTING EXPERIENCE OF HIS LIE.
But" added Mr.. Cochran. while matters in
any way controversial were scrupulously
avoided. 1 think can y with perfect sincerity
that my audience was the most interesting ex-
perience of my life"
Don't you think that the best way to refute
untrustworthy reports Of your interview would
be to state exactly what oocurredF
hnye no doubt or II; but then to admit tNae
is to establish an easy method by which any one
may be coerced into discussing matters I'm the
press which are Of personal rather than of public
interest However, as those reports affect Other
persons besides myself. will follow your ad-
vice. and tell you as nearly a. ! can exactly
what occurred
After passing through some stately apar.-
ments. hung with famous tapestries, where
several members of the Pontifcal Guard. in full
uniform. guarded the doorways. was ushered
into q small room. my name was announced.
and the door was Immediately closed behind ma.
This room was furnished with great simplicity.
At the other end OF the room. on a platform
raised about six inches, I saw Il slight figure
clothed in a white cassock and white skull cap.
BowinR the knee once at the doorway and again
in the middle Of room. advanced to the plat
form anc knelt down. The Pontiff, for It was
he. extended his hand with cordial words Of
welcome, and bade me rise and take a seat al
his right.
THE PoPE's IMPRESSIVE PERSONALITY.
1T is difficult to describe his appearance. but
at the first glance it is easy TO understand the
remarkable effect which he produces on all who
come in contact with him. am not easily inn
pressed by men. Whenever / have me: the
occupant OF a great office have usually been
puzzled to account for his elevation have
generally found that II the chest of the great DO
imposing tae back is apt 10 be hollow. and as I
have frequently stood behind the chair Of
great men. l do not think am
likely TO be much affected by any
pomp and circumstance which may surround IL.
But OF the present Pope II may be said with alb
solute sincerity that he fills amply and COM
pletely the throne which he occupies. Fully
mindful OF its history. bridging as it docs the
chasm between the Rome OF Tiberius and tho
Rome OF Leo KILL, j believe am speaking the
language OF moderation when I say that the
most interesting thing about tho papacy is the
Pope. His frame, spare and almost emaciated.
gives you the feeling that every particle OF flesh
which might have maintained base or sor-
did thought has been discarded in fasting
and prayer. His manner never loses the ma jesty
which becomes the Poniif. whose word Is more
powerful than the edict OF any monarch. but 10
is always marked bv extreme genteness and 40
times by tenderness which is quite paternal.
His voice. vibrant and sonorous, is sweet and
exquisiteiy modulated. As he becomes ami
mated in conversation his eyes glow with such
singular lustre and his facc assumes such an
ethereal expression that you can hardly realize
you arc talking to a man OF flesh and blood, and
ii almost seems as II you were in the presence Of
spiritual fame enclosed in corporal form.
HIS INTEREST IN AMERICA.
His questions showed a close familiarity
with our Government and with the social and
economic questions which must be solved under
democratic institutions. lie spoke much OF his
desire for reunion OF all Christian churches.
and asked me II the various Sects in this coun-
try we're animated by any feeling Of hostility 70
each other. answered that, 70 far as / could
judge. no change OF opinion in this coun.
try during tho last twenty-five years was
SO marked as the decline in sectarlan pref
udicc He asked me TO what attributed this
most gratifying change. aud ] answered that
among the many causes which might be
signed for II none. in my judgment. was 70 i'm
portant as his own personality; for while there