New-York tribune., 1903-09-23
CARDINAL GIBBONS HERE.
IN FINE HEALTH.
Says Popc Thinks americans Finest
People on Earth.

Looking in excellent health. in marked con-
trast ~ his enfeebled condition at his depart
ure. when he could scarcely walk without the
support Of cane Cardinal Gibbons returned to
this country from Rome yesterday on the Kaiser
Wilhelm der Crosse.
He welcomed at the pier by a delegation
from the Catholic Benevolent Legion Of Amer
ica. Cardinal Gibbons made a short address.
and was then driven to the monastery of the
Franciscan order. in West Hoboken. He was
accompanied by his secretary. p c. Gavan.
The Cardinal had written to Father Felix, Of
the monastery. that he would visit him. At the
monastery he ate luncheon with a number Of
priests. 10 whom he related part Of his expert
ence abroad In the afternoon he left there for
Brooklyn. where he viii remain until Thursday
the guest Of the family OF the late Major
Kelley. no was an intimate friend Of his on
Thursday the Cardinal win return to Baltimore.
TELLS OF PoPE's SIMPLICITY.
"Hlo crisis has arisen since His Holiness has
occupied the Chair Of St Peter" said the Car
dinal and he therefore has not yet had op
portunity TO display diplomacy or policy Of
statesmanship> Not having been brought up in
the Vatican. Plus y is more celebrated for his
simplicity.
In speaking Of the new Pontifs attitude
toward America. the Cardinal said that in the
Of the Catholic Church expressed strong affec-
tion and admiration for the people Of this coun-
try. and recognized them as the greatest people
on earth. The new Pope thought Of the Catholic
Church in America as his best and biggest
child. said the American Cardinal adding: AS
a matter OF fact. he couldn't help saying so. be-
cause the Church in this country is his biggest
and best child.
SAYS PEOPLES LIKE NEW POPE.
The people Of the different nations Of Eu-
rope were unanimous in their approval Of the
new head Of the church." said the Cardinal and
as time wore on many Of the old barriers exist
ing between the Church and State in Italy
would fall before the progressiveness Of the new
ruler. said he:
Plus y is a progressive man. He Will be led
by developments and issues I believe he will
cultivate more friendly relation with the Ital-
ian Government than now exists. When King
Humbert was assa ssiuated the present Pope.
who was then Patriarch OF Venice. sent af-
fectng letter Of coincidence to the widowed
Queen. This. 1 think. the foundation OF
the report 10 the effect tfat a friendly feeling
has always existed between the new Pope and
the Italian Government.
Critical Europeans regard Americans with a
mixed feeling Of jealousy and admiration They
! are slowly realizing that are the greatest
and the most powerful people and nation on
earth. That old impression that all Americans
4 are parvenus is dying out.
/ The Cardinal said his health was never bet
| ter. and that be feels ten years younger than
/ when he went away
one Of the first steps taken by Plus Y was 10
provide for an extensive exhibition Of the Vati-
/ can treasures ~ the ST Louis Exposition next
spring which would probably contain some Of
/ the Jubilee gifts Of the late Pontim and manu-
/ scripts and maps from the Vatican library re-
/ lating 10 the early settlement and missionary
/ work In the Louisiana Purchase territory