The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1903-11-07
DISASTROUS FIRE IN
VATICAN LIBRARY

DOAE, Nov. Fire broke out at $50
n tonight in thai portion of the vati-
can containing the hall of inscrip-
tons, where the pope gives his audi
ence and which is adjacent to the ia
nous Finacoteca, or gallery of pictures.
The alarm caused much confusion and
excitement in the vatican. Strenuous
efforts were made to control the flames
and the firemen of Rome were called to
lend their help. At quarter past IL
the fire was under control. No lives
We're lost No idea of the damage can
yet be obtained. The pope came to the
scene in person and remained until the
arrangements to fight the fire were
made
The fire caused a greater sensa ton in
Rome than any other event since the
death of Pope Leo. The safety of the
pope was the first thought in every
ones mind, but this was soon assured.
When the pontiff arrived at the scene
he ordered every one to assist in ex-
tinguishing the flames
Smoke Discovered.
The first intimation of fire was had
when smoke was seen issuing from The
apartment of NJ. Marie which is located
above that of Father Ehrle, the librarian,
who lived over the library itself NJ,
Marie is a celebrated French restorer of
ancient manuscripts and Illuminated
books; he is at present engaged in copy
ing work, and his first reproductions
have been selected for part of the vatican
exhibit at the st. Louis exposition. The
famous Bramante staircase leads to that
part of the vatican where the fire broke
out. The gendarmes broke in the doors
of NJ. Marles' apartment and found him
in a heavy sleep. 1t is supposed he re-
tired and forgot to take proper precau-
tons with his kitchen fire, which proba
bly, blazed up and ignited some nearby
draperies. The fire started, and it rapid
~ assumed such proportions that the
gendarmes who were the first on the
scene gave an immediate general alarm.
The whole palace awoke to instant life.
The Swiss guards, the papal firemen,
gendarmes. priests and domestics ali
rushed hither and thither in ignorant
confusion, asking what was the matter,
no one knowing where or what the dan
ger was, or what to do.
Pope at Prayers.
News of the fire was Immediately con-
veyed to the pope, who was found kneel-
ing in his chapel for his usual evening
the scene, notwithstanding the fact that
he was begged to think first of his own
safety He was accompanied by Mgr.
Merry Del Val, the papal secretary OF
state; Mgr. Bisleo. the papal major domo,
and Mgr. Delichs. and followed by the
members of the noble guard attached to
his person. The moment he arrived his
mind grasped the gravity of the situation
and he ordered that the firemen of Rome
be called. This vas done by telegra phi.
The firemen arrived in about ten minutes,
and although they brought four engines
with them and were at once ready to ee-
gin operations. It took some time to find
the best way to get sufficient water sup
TK-if ryybi IN icl1f tha In, ltn
meantime the flames had begun to break
out of the windows of NJ. Marles' apart
ment and were destroying the roof. The
flames lighted up the entire district and
gave the impression that nothing could
stop their fury. When the fire engines
began working three rooms were already
entirely destroyed by the flames, which |
were extending to the other apartments.
Mayor in the Vatican.
The pope Withdrew as soon as he saw
that everything possible was being done. |
Information had been sent to the Italian |
authorities. They were courteously in |
vited to enter, and did so. Therefore. for |
the first time since the fall of the power |
Of the vatican the mayor of Rome ana |
even Signor Ronchette, the newly APP |
pointed minister of justice, entered the /
vatican in their official capacities. Tney |
gave orders directing the work and par !
personally in the fight. 1t was |
= very difficult fire to overcome; there |
were a number of old and inflammable !
objects in the apartment of NJ. Marie. full |
ii combustibles. The competition be- |
tween the papal firemen and the firemen |
Of Rome to see who should work the haT-
Ter and do the most resulted in a dis
play of courage which was really admir-
able, some of the fire fighters risking
heir lives until they were restrained by !
heir superiors.
No Estimate of Damage.
At little after Il o'clock the fire was
lnder control, but the work of the fire
men will continue for some time. 1t is
doubtful if they will leave the scene be-
ore tomorrow night Fresh relays of
men were being sent to relieve those who
lave exhausted themselves. The entire
museum of inscriptions in the rooms OF
father Ehrle, part of the library and the
printing houses were entirely flooded with
water. It is impossible to reach even an
approximate idea of the extent of dam
lge. Many articles were saved. includ-
ng some ancient and very valuable arms,
which were recently moved to the library
DOM from the Borgia apartment Many
hings that escaped the flames were in
ured by water