The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1902-07-23
JUDGE TAFT BIDS POPE FAREWELL
Visitors We're Given Presents
Question of Expulsion of the
Friars Was Discussed.

Rome, July 21.-The pope received
bis party in farewell audience at noon
today. The Americans drove in two
carriages from their hotel to the Vati-
can. Judge Taft and Judge Smith
wore evening dress, as prescribed by
etiquette; Maj. Porter was in full
uniform, and Bishop O'Gorman wore
ecclesiastical robes. They were receiv-
ed at the Great Door of the Vatican
by the Swiss Guards, who rendered
military honors.
At the foot of the State staircase
the Americans were met by Monsignor
Bisleti, master of ceremonies, who
was accompanied by several other Dig
nitaries of the papal court. At the
door Of the pontifcal apartments the
noble guards and gendarmes rendered
the customary honors, after which
Gov. Taft and his companions were in
troduced into the presence OF the pope,
who welcomed them with marked
cordiality.
To mark his satisfaction at the sue
cess Of the negotiations the pope pre-
sented each member Of Gov. Tatt's
party with a personal gift enclosed in
magnificent Morocco case with the
papal arms. Gov. Taft got a gold.
goosequill, of exquisite workmanship,
with Pope Leo's coat of arms on the
feather. To Bishop O'Gorman was pre-
sented pectoral cross set with
rubies and amethysts having a cameo
centre bearing the figure Of the Virgin
surrounded with pearls. Judge Smith
and Maj. Porter each received gold
jubilee medal. The pope gave Mrs.
Taft an enamel reproduction of the
ancient painting of Saint Ursula sur
rounded by Virgins.
The Americans were ushered into
the private library and SO soon as the
door was opened the pope went half
way to meet them and greeted Gov.
Taft with the greatest cordiality.
The pontiff commenced the interview
by saying ha was most satisfied and
happy at the results obtained and as
confident that the negotiations would
be the starting point of complete
and satisfactory solution of the ques-
ton under discussion. He added that
| the apostolic delegate soon to be ap-
pointed woulo be instructed most
strictly and precisely regarding carry
ing out the idea determined upon be-
tween the United States and the Vati-
can, saying:
ct will see that orders be given him
as. to his work, over which will
watch him personally
orr tho To0o
expressed the highest esteem for Amer
lean methods Of treating church mat
tiers. In fact he had more than once
pointed to the United States as set
| ting an example well worth copying.
Gov. Taft thanked the pope for the
prompsness and courtesy shown hira
| during his visit and promised coopera-
| ton with the apostolic delegate ln
executing the business on the lines
agreed upon at Rome.
He expressed regret at the fact that
| the negotiations had been made the
occasion for the circulation Of false
and even caaumnious rumors In various
papers and by some telegraphic agen-
cies, which had given rise to nnfayor-
able comments upon the vatican. The
pope also protested against such false
reports, but he philosophically de-
clared that by this time he was accus-
toned to that kind of misrepresenta-
tion.
The pontif then rose with unusual
activity, walked with the Americans
to the opposite side of the room and
| showed them the mosaic which he is
sending to President Roosevelt in re-
turn for the presidents present Of q
box containing Mr.. Roosevelt's liter
ary works. The mosaic is a copy OF
Corridi's we'll known picture of Pope
Leo sitting on the terrace of the vati-
can gardens surveying Rome. 1t was
made in the vatican workshops.
| The pope then gave Bishop O'Gor-
4 man an autograph letter to President
Roosevelt.
Members of Gov. Taft's party ask
ed the pope to bless several boxes. OF
rosaries and other religious memen-
! toss, which his holiness did most will
ingly, adding that his benediction was
| extended to all their relations and
friends.
| After an audience of 40 minutes in
which the conversation was carried on
entirely in French, Bishop O'Gorman
and Maj. Porter translating, the pope
saw the Americans to the door OF the
library.
Gov. Taft and his companions then
called on the papal secretary of state,
| Cardinal Rampolla, with whom theJ
exchanged somewhat similar courte-
Later Gov. Taft accompanied by
Judge Smith and Capt. Srother, left
Rome for Naples.
Bishop O'Gorman will sail for the
United States next. He will take with
him letter from Cardinal Rampolla
to Secretary of State Hay.