Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1903-08-05

| but divided bis time between study ana
good works. Although most faithful to
the Holy See, he was presented TO the
King and Queen Of Italy in Venice.
He NAV be considered among the more
liberal members of The Italian episcopate
and Sacred College He is rather timid
in expressing an opinion. 1t is said that
Leo XIII. always thought very highly Of
him, and sided with him onone occasion
when Sarto disapprOyed of Rampollia's
policy.
Early in April Pope Leo, in a con-
versation with Father Perosi, the ltal-
ian composer. said, in speaking Of Car
diDal Sarto:
"Hold him 7ery dear, Perosi, as in
the future he will be able to do much
for you. We firmly believe he will be
our successor. "
lie has been known for years as one
of the greatest preachers in the church.
"Sarto" in Italian means "tailor,"
and Plus X, when a young senlinarist,
being rather elegantin his priestly robes,
his companions used to Joke, saying
that be evidently knew the business.
He began his education at a seminary
at Treviso, and continued at Padua, the
seat of the famous university, one of the
best, not only in Italy, but in the
world
Plus X. was only % when he was
consecrated a priest at Castel Franco,
the birthplace of the great master
Giorg;one, acting afterwards for nine
years as coadutor to the parish priest Of
Tombolo, province Of Padua, small
village Of 2, $50 people. who we're the
first to appreciate his virtues. His
Kindness was untiring. He sought to
fill their wants, and never a murmur was
heard when he was called in the middle
Of winter night to a death6ed. He
gave freely OF his very small means,
until he often went without meals HIM
sell, but he kept many poor family
from starvation.
In 1867 he was appointed parish
priest at Salzano, which was considered
an important promotion, being a village
of 3, 34l souls.
He distinguished himself so much at
Salzano that he was only kept there two
years, which is remarkable in the career
of an Italian parish priest. In 1875 he
was elected chancellor Of the bishopric Of
Treviso, then spiritual director Of that
seminary, Judge Of the ecclesiastical
tribunal and finally vicar general. Pope
Leo appointed him in November, 1884,
at the age of 40 years, bishop of Mantua,
where he remained nine years, until
1898, when he was made cardinal and
appointed patriarch Of Venice. lie
there distinguished himself as a thorough
reformer, suppressing all abuses, re-
storing the dignity Of the clergy and the
earnestness of religion. To him is due
the revival of a Gregorian chant in the
beautiful churches, and to him is due
the strict return to liturgic rules.
From his appointment rose heated
polemics between the Holy See and the
Italian government. The latter as heir
lothe ancient privileges granted by the
Pope to the republic of Venice, sus.
taincd that it had the right to choose
and appoint the patriarch. The gov
ernment, however, after having long refus-
ed its exequatur, 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 per-
sonally. In fact, he might quite well
have been their choice if the papacy had
not wished him, but it was political
question, on which, however, they soon
gave way.
Sarto became the Of the Venetians.
When his gondola went through the canals
the people rushed on the bridges and
along the sides of the canals, kneeling
and saluting, the women exclaiming
"God bless the patriarch"
The new Pope used then to say that be
did notlike to 90 out Ofsight Of the Lions
of st. Mark, which now he will never
see again, if, as is almost sure, he follows
the rule inangurated by his two prede-
cessors. never to leave the Vatican.
He has very modest tastes, having re-
tained almost the same habits as when
he was mere curate at SalpazO- He
was severe but was just with his clergy.
There is nothing he dislikes so mnch as
publicity, detesting the praise and COM
pliments of courtiers. FrankneSs is an
other of his principal qualities, although
he is somewhat timid.
AS the Italians say, he has no harm
on his tongue or pen. Even so, Plus
X. often wrote truths which were per-
haps unpleasant.
Advices from Riese, the birthplace Of
Plus X, and village of 1900 inhabi-
tants, state that the Pope's mother, now
dead when living there occupied a
small peasants house, having in her
humanity always refused to live with her
son Giuseppe, as even his modest es-
tablishment was considered by her to be
too luxurious in comparison with what
she was accustomed to.
The new Pope is one Of eight children,
two sons and six daughters. One of his
sisters is a dressmaker, another is
married TO a sacristan and peddler, q
/ third married n winashon kpeDer and