The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-03
LEO DISOBEYS DOCTORS
LEAVES HIS BED AGAINST ADVICE OF
ATTENDING PHYSICIANS.
His Temperature Rises as n COnse-
quence, but Later Falls-Optimistfc
Reports as to His Condition.

ROME, March 8, a. m.-The latest news
from the Vatican is that the Pope's tenn
perature at midnight had fallen several
POINTS. Last evening it had risen percepti-
bly,. 1t appears that his dsinclnation to OBJ
serve the recommendations of his physicians
forms an obstacle in the way of prompt
covery. He has full confidence in his own
strength, and does not readily acquiesce in
their advice not to move. During yesterday
afternoon he insisted on leaving his bed
without assistance and also read several
kilograms. The rise in his temperature,
which had given some anxiety. was proba-
bly, caused in part in this way. The doc
tors exclude everybody from his apartments,
except his personal attendants. Professor
Mazzoni remained in readiness during last
evening to proceed to the Vatican If needed.
but up to IL o'clock he had not been called
and at that hour he did not expect to go
until daybreak-
The Pope said during the day: 1T is
miracle of God that still alive; for He
wishes to spare His church a terrible crisis
at the present moment"
At 3 o'clock in the afternoon the doctors
made prolonged visit, lasting more than
an hour which caused some uneasness. but
on leaving they gave reassuring reports,
Professor Mazzoni saying there was not the
least fear that the pleura, bronchial tubes
or lungs would be affected. The Popes
nephews also visited him in the course OF
the afternoon and left his chamber much
pleased at his progress
Despite these optimistic reports, grave
doubts are entertained as to the issue of the
illness. His Holiness, it seems displaying
great interest In the matter, has asked the
doctors as TO the best way of preserving
the cyst, explaining that he intended when
he should have recovered TO dissect IL for
purposes of study.
( The Pope was in excellent spirits most OF
yesterday. When the doctors proposed ap-
plying the clinical thermometer his Holiness
said that there was no need TO do so. as he
| could himself feel that the fever had dis
| appeared, just as he could feel the high
temperature prior to the operation. The
Pontifr would not allow the wound TO be
| sewn up; SO the doctors had to be content
with drawing the ends together in plaster.
| After the wound had been dressed, chat
| ting quietly with Dr. Mazzoni, the Pope
| smilingly said: Il want you to cure me
without any pain and in two days"
| The surgeon replied in the same spirit:
Your Holiness must not expect me TO per-
| form miracles
The Pope for the present will partake
only of liquor nourishment such as soup,
raw eggs and watered wine.
The doctors positively deny that there is
any dysentery or danger of blood poison
ing. They are confident of restoring the
| health of the Pontiff. DR.. Mazzoni to-day
| said TO a high parsonage at the Vatican,
who asked for confidential information on
| the subject, that if the Pope recovered, as
| he fully expected, there was no reason why
| he should not live for another ten years, so
| great is his vitality.
Cardinal Ledochowski, the prefect of the
| Congregation OF the Propaganda Eide,
| consulted yesterday with Cardinal Oreglia.
| dean Of the Sacred College. camorlongo Of
| the Holy Roman Church and prefect Of the
| congregation Of ceremonial. and Cardinal
| MarteI, vice chancellor of the Holy Roman
| Church. and first cardinal deacon, who. in
conjunction with Cardinal Ledochowski, ac-
cording to the apostolic constitutions. as
sumo the government of the church In case
| Of the Popes death.