Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1898-09-09
NUMBER 36.
SPANS CHURCH TREASURES
The Immcnsc Riches of the CRthc-
drais May IicIp in War with
This Country,


The report that Spain will nppro-
pirate church property for war ex-
lenses brings to mind some interest
ing facts.
Less than two years ago Pop Leo
I'LL, sent to the queen regent of pain
magnificent gift in the shaH of IA
rosary, the beads of alternate t.bies,
diamonds and cmeralds strung on n
chain of the finest gold. The gift was
priceless.
From this one may form an idea OF
| the immense amount of treasure
throughout Spain in "holy objects"
| Scores of mtrcs cncrusted with jew
els, capes and robes embroidered in
gold and silver and ornamented with
precious stones, used by the highest
ecclesiastical dignitarics only on grand
state occasions, picture frames OF
solid gold and silver rockets and abs
of priceless lace are among some OF
the riches of the great churches.
The old cathedral of Burgos 10
stored with valuable paintings and or
naEsnts of gold and silver. At Nalla-
dolid, where Columbus died, there is
/ fine classical cathedral rich in UNI
counted treasure. A Spanish shrine is
described as having two life-sized
statues in silver of our Savior and the
| holy mother, with a crucifX of solid
and heavy gold yard in height.
| Paintings by Nalcsqucz, Murillo and
Juan Juarez, called the Raphael of
Spain, are found in many of the cathc-
drals, that of Seville being particular
~ fortunate in works Of Murillo. To-
lcdo, with its grand cathedral and
richly cmbellishcd chapels contains
mine of wealth in ornaments and
decorations.
When the financial problem became
serious matter in Mexico, recourse
was had by the government to the
great treasures of the churches OF
that country, but this is not the only
instance where it has been found
necessary to draw upon such stores.
and reconcile the interfering claims OF
church and state.
Napoleon Bonaparte laid his hand or
the ancient patrimony of st. Peter
and the benignant pontiff, Plus VII
when compelled TO pay part of the
200,0C0,000 francs imposedby Napoleon,
had many of the golden and silver
treasures of the vatican melted down
to meet the demands of the emperor,
besides surrendcring priceless gems or
art.
Inestimable as are the riches OF the
vatican, they are not supposed to eX-
coed those OF the church in Spain.
Although the peninsula was rich in
"holy objects" from the date of the
discovery of America, it was under
Philip II. that the vast accumulation
now possessed by the cathedrals and
shrines was begun. This king sue
ceeded to an Inheritance more vast
than mortal man had possessed since
Cbarlemagne had been laid in his
tomb Spain, Austria, the Neither
lands. the golden Americas, acknowl.
edged him as lord and sovereign mas
ter In 1864, during Philips reign, the
rich Manila islands first came under
the grasp of Spain. and were renamed
the Philippines, in honor of the king
1t waa philip II, who fastened the vast
system of monastic houses upon Spain.
He endowed them richly and made
magnificent votive offerings.
When Philip condded the govern
ment of Flanders TO his half sister
Maresrct of Parma, and went back TO
Spain, the country of his birth and
predilcction he took with him n great
amount of treasure, among which was
precious collection Of Flemish and
italian statues and pictures, which he
had inherited from his father, Charles
V.
When the royal fleet arrived on the
coast of Biscay it encountered n ter
rife storm, and several Of the ships
were lost. The king was in the great
est danger In this supreme moment
he made VOW that il life we're spared
him he would consecrate his power to
the Qualification of the church and the
eNtirpaton of heresy How rigidly he
kept his word history tells us.-Wash.
ington Post.