Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-08-05

was only kept there two years. In 1875,
he was elected chancellor of the bish-
opric of Treviso, then spiritual director
of that seminary, judge of the ecclesf-
asticaI tribunal and finally vicar gem
eral ri
Pope Leo, who had highly appre-
ciated his cleverness, piety and mod
esty. appointed him, in November, 1884,
ot tho age of 40 years, bishop of Man
tua where he remained nine years until
1909 when he was made cardinal and
amounted patriarch of Venice. In the
oueen of the Adriatic he distinguished
himself as a thorough reformer.
From his appointments rose heated
nolemies between the Holy See and the
italian government. The latter, as heir
TO the ancient privileges granted by
the Pope to the Republic of Venice,
held that it had the right to chose and
appoint a patriarch. The government,
however. after having long refused it's
exeouatur. eventually granted it to
Sarto who. meanwhile, succeeded in
gaining general esteem, including that
of the government officials. The Italian
cabinet has no feeling against Sarto
nersonally. In fact, he might quite
we'll have been their choice. Sarto soon
became the idol of the Venetians. When
his gondola went through the. canals
people rushed on the bridges and along
the sides of the canal, kneeling and
saluting. the women eXclaiming: God
bless the patriarch. a..
Plus x. has modest tastes, having re-
tanned almost the same habits as when
he was a mere curate at SalpaZo. He
is severe but was just with his clergy.
There is nothing he dislikes so much as
publicity, detesting the praise and COM
pliments of courtiers. Frankness is
another OF his principal qualities, al
though he is somewhat timid. The re-
lations of Sarto with the house Of
Savory are decidedly friendly. Natur-
ally this does not mean that Sarto,
once Pope, will fundamentally change
the policy that the church has adopted
towards the Italian state, but certainly
his personal feeling will be favorable to
moderation.
He was horn in 1885 and made patri
arch in 1891. being proclaimed cardinal
two years later. He is a great preacher
and fairly we'll known as n writer and
he has the reputation of accomplishing
all the works that he has undertaken
He is a member of the congregations of
bishops and Regular Sacred Rites. In
duigences and Sacred Relics and Stud
les.
Cardinal Sarto, probably the most
abia administrator of the Italian epis-
copacy, combines firmness and deter
mination with abundant tact and com
mon sense, and has managed to inaug-
urate a number of very practical
reforms in his archdiocese of Venice
without giving offence either to the
clergy or to the laity. He avoids all
newspaper notoriety. Indeed, his name
is rarely mentioned in the press. He
has always understood how to maintain
an agreeable, yet digniffed, ''modus
vivcndi' with the italian authorities,
from whom he derives his stipend, and
has shown his enlightenment by the
vigorous campaign which he has car
ried on against the veneration of relics
of questionable authenticitv. He is on
friendly terms with the members of the
reigning house of Italy; during the late
reiglt took Part with King Humbert
and Queen Marguerite in the launching
Of a man-of- war, at Venice, as we'll as
in other State ceremonies at which they
were present. and is certainly most
agreeable choice as Pope to the present
ruler of Italy. He is just 6S years of
age, which is in his favor in the eyes of
the conclave, since as a general rule,
that number of years constitutes a
guarantee that the pontiicate will not
be of Undue length.
Early in April, Pope Leo in an inter-
view with FIR. Perosi, the Italian COM
poser, said in speaking of Cardinal
Sarto:
Hold him very dear, Perosi, as in the
future he will be able to do much for
you. We firmly believe that he will be
our successor
He has been for many years, one of
the greatest preachers in the church.
Cardinal Sarta belonged to the &C.
clesiastical congregations of bishops
and regulars. sacred rites, indulgenceS
and sacred relics. He enjoyed great
popularity in his diocese. He is hon.
ored by all for his purity, for the strict
llprightness of his life and liberal
Ideas. He is modest and agreeable
man, highly cultivated, very kind
hearted and still strong and robust in
spite of his 68 years.
He has never taken great part in the
political and public life of the church
but divided his time between study
and good works. Although most faith
full to the Holy See, he was presented
to the King and Queen of Italy in Ven
ice. He was considered among the lib
eral members of the italian episco-
pate and Sacred College. 1t is said
that Leo NH sided with him OH one
occasion when Sarto disapproved of
Rampolla's policy.
The new Pope is one of eight children,
two sons and six daughters. One of his
sisters is dressmaker. another is mar
ried to a sacristan and peddler & third
married a wine shop keeper and the 9th
2rs are unmarried. The new Pope is the
seventh who has come from the region of
Venice. among whom was Benedict MI,
who also came from Treviso, and who.
by strange coincidence, was elected
Pope exactly $50 years ago today.
VENICE ASTOUNDED.