Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1903-07-31

House In Which Leo Wus Born at Curpineto.
in the middle of the day, committing but
one excess. When he could elude the eyes
OF his doctors he would eat salad. Once
when made i'll by this indulgence he hum
bly, confessed he had eaten of the forbidden
thing. After dinner he INDUCED in the
siesta, 20 dear to Italians, then drove in the
gardens, attended by members of the Swiss
ard royal guards. After the drive he again
began work with his secretary. At 10 he
took his evening meal. After supper and
prayers, all of interest in the newspapers
was read to him. He loved the news and
kept posted on all the political events
throughout the world. There was nothing
in science, literature, art or philanthropy
with which he was not familiar. He sat I'D
late writing verses or concocting those Won
derful productions he sent out to the world;
often would rouse his secretary in the mid
die of the night to take notes. He had none
of the English dread Of American inven-
tions, but wanted everything about him up
to-date, even to housekeeping, which never
occurred to any other pope. He employed
an army of scrubbers, and, as he had 100
rooms, 1t was q work Of time, but it was
done with the thoroughness of New Eng
land housewife. He did not scorn type
writer, but thought it undignifed for him
to use one.
His manner and his person, his mind and
his speech were peculiar, like none round
him. His disposition was serene-his faith
sublime. He had a strong sense of humor
and vein of sarcasm. A royal lady painted
his portrait-it was such an atrocious carica
ture 1t amused him. She asked him to affix
his autograph-he wrote in Latin, "It is I:
be not afraid. Leo XIII" A physician
and scientist who visited him in 1899 said
LEO will not die like one of us; he will
flicker out like lamp having consumed its
last drop of OIL" He loved life, said moth
ing could happen to lessen his love, but
added it was not for the mere love of liv-
ing. He knew, as all knew, that he was
mentally as lively as ever; said hewas ready
20 battle in the Intellectual arena as long as
his bones held together. The scientist said
he never saw one Of his age whose organiza-
ton was impaired SO little. He scorned
doctors and doctors stuff, yet he was cared
for and watched over like baby by DR..
Lapponi. He ascribed his youthful spirit
to his bliths, contented mind, for which be
gave thanks and glory to God, but would
add, with his peculiar smile, II take little
cred1t 70 myseil, TOO, and am proud that
feel as young as / do. If one has something
to live for, then one must put off growing
old As long as possible, and that Is what [
have done"
Leo delighted in disputes. His eyes would
sparkle-by smiles he would encourage his
opponent in every way possible. For him |
1t was real mental gymnastics.
The scientist retired and said he never
saw such subjugation of matter to spirit az |
in Leo XIII. 1t was no igment, az il
claimed, that he was sisoner of the yati |
can He might, indeed, pass out, but he was |
mindful Of the insults and violence used to-
ward those who bore the body of Plus TX. |
from the city-bore it at midnight, in order
to give the least offence. He would not have
the papacy Ia INFLATED in his august person.
The Italian gov eminent would not give him
the protection accorded to the poorest citi-
zens in more favored countries.