Waterbury evening Democrat., 1903-08-11
PLUS X STRICKEN
Had Painting Spell Before the
 Altar To-Day
CAUSED BY OVER ExERTloN

His Physicians Have Urged Him to
 Give Up Receptions for the Present
 The New Pope Is Reluctant to DO
 It-He Says Pope Leo Received Del
 egations and He Considers Himself
 as Strong as His Predecessor.
 Rome, Aug 11.-Pope Plus X had a fainting fit this morning while cele- brating mass. His holiness soon re- vived.
 The pope has been over-exerting himself to such an extent that his nat urally strong constitution was unable to bear the strain put upon it by the coronation ceremonies. Such has been the effect upon his nerves that he has been unable to sleep for whole nights, while numerous receptions yesterday made matters worse. Last night his holiness also was very much agitated, still he insisted upon admitting this morning to hear his mass all Vene- tians who had journeyed to Rome, pur- poseiy to attend the coronation. They numbered about 800 when the mass began in the Pauline chapel and the air was vitiated. with the temperature above 90 degrees.
 Pope Plus was seen to grow paler and paler, finally throwing up his hands as though seeking support. He would have fallen had not Monsignor Bressan, his private chaplain, been quick to catch him. It is impossible to describe the confusion and alarm among the worshippers while the pope lay motionless and unconscious, with his eyes closed.
 Fortunately, among the venetians present was pr Dayenezia, who for nine years had been the pope's attend Ing physician at Venice. but had been called only once during that time to treat a sore throat
 Dayenezia gave the patient immedi- ate assistance. while the messengers ! teiephoned Dr Iapponi. The latter rushed to the vatican, but did not ar rive until after the pope had been re- stored to consciousness and taken to his own apartment.
 His collapse is considered to be due to heart weakness, aggravated by fa- tlgue. It constitutes the first victory or Ills entourage, which has insisted that he should take the change from his previous life less strenuously. Even though he .disappoints some people, they urge him not to concede audiences to all corners and to render himself less accessible. pr Lapponi supported this view and recommended that he take a complete rest. The doctor has ordered all audiences to be postponed, including that of Cardinal Logue and Sir Thomas Esmonde, representative of the Irish parliamentary party, who were to be received this morning. 7
 The pope, however, cannot under stand the necessity of sparing himself, and said to Dr Lapponi:
 T am stronger than Pope Leo. Why should not do what he did?"
 It was explained to him that Leo, when elected, began by taking fort nights perfect rest, and thereafter gradually, trained himself to his new duties. Moreover, Leo's special consti- tuition did not need the exercise in the fresh air which that of an ordinarily healthy man does.
 At noon Pope Plus was reported to be almost restored to his normal condi- ton, but was keeping his room, as he feels occasionally slight palpitation of the heart.
 The pope ardently wished to receive to-day the Austrian ambassador, who was to present his credentials. but his holiness. was persuaded to renounce his intention, not only in this case but with regard to all the audiences which was 6xed for tomorrow. ."