The daily morning journal and courier., 1902-07-22
FINAL AUDIENCE WITH POPE
TAFT AND HIS PARTY
 SAY FAREWELL.


 fdence of Complete and Satisfactory
 Solution of the FrIar QuestiOn-Gov.
 Taft Refers to False and CaIummious
 RumOrs-Pope Gives Present to Each
 MembeF-AutographL Letter to RoOse-
 welt, Also q Mosaic.
 Rome, July 21.-The pope received Governor Taft and the members of his party in a farewell audience this morn ing
 The Americans were ushered into the private library and as the door opened the pope went half way to meet them and greeted Governor Taft with the greatest cordiality. He commenced the interview by saying he was most satis- fled and happy at the results obtained and was confident that the negotiations would be the starting point of a com- plete and satisfactory solution of the question. He added that the delegate soon to be appointed would be instruct ed most strictly and precisely regard ing carrying out the ideas determined upon between the United States and the vatican, saying:
 T will see that orders be given him as to his work, over which I will watch personally"
 Turning the conversation, the pope expressed the highest esteem for Amer ican methods of treating church mat ters. In fact he had more than once pointed to the United States as setting an example well worth copying.
 Governor Taft thanked the pope for promptness and courtesy shown during his visit and promised cooperation with the apostolic delegates in eXecut- ing the business upon the lines agreed upon at Rome. He expressed regret at the fact that the negotiations had been the occasion for the circulation of false and even calumnious rumors in various papers and by some telegraphic agen- cies which had given rise to unfavora- ble comments upon the vatican. The pope also protested against such false reports but he philosophically declared that by this time he was accustomed to that kind of misrepresentation.
 The pontiff then rose with unusual activity, walked with the Americans to the opposite side of the room and show ed them the mosaic which he is sending to President Roosevelt in return for the presidents present of box containing his (Mr. Roosevelts) literary works. The mosaic is copy of Corridis' well known picture of Pope Leo sitting on the terrace of the vatican gardens sur veying Rome It was made in the vati- can workshops.
 The pope then gave Bishop O'Gorman an autograph letter to President Roosevelt
 Members of Governor Taft's party asked the pope to bless several boxes of rosaries and other religious mementoes which his holiness did most willingly, adding that his benediction was extend ed to all their relations and friends. After forty minutes audience, in which the conversation was entirely Cal IIeu OIl III Y TeHC0 blSHOp U GOff1ld1 and Major Porter translating, the pope saw the Americans to the door of the library.
 To mark his satisfaction at the success of the negotiations the pope presented each member of Governor Taft's party with personal gift enclosed in mag inficent morocco case adorned with the papal arms. Governor Taft got a gold goose quill of exquisite workmanship with Pope Leo's coat of arms on the feather. To Bishop O'Gorman was pre- sented a pectoral cross set with rubies and amethysts and having a cameo cen- ter bearing the figure of the Virgin Mary surrounded with pearls. Judge Smith and Major Porter both received a gold jubilee medal. The pope gave Mrs. Taft an enamel reproduction of the ancient painting of Saint Ursula surrounded by virgins. Governor Taft and his companions then called on the papal secretary of state. Cardinal Rampolla, with whom they exchanged somewhat similar cour- tesies Later Governor Taft, accompa- nied by Judge Smith and Captain Strother, left Rome for Naples.