Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1903-07-25

feeble. | shall soon end my days; Il IL not
the papacy, il is death that should be given
me-" Finally he bowed to what his brother
cardinals declared to be the Divine will
and gave Leo XIII, for his pontitical name.
He tremhed at the threshold Of this I'M
known glory, where he must be solitary, 50
high above those who were nearest 10 him.
The hour Mss very bitter. There was not a
stain upon his name In stateeraft he ranked
with Gladstone and bismarck when they
passed away be stood alone as the greatest
statesman in Europe BY his uniform,
steady line Of action, his aims were attended
by remarkable success, Leos benevolence,
hts selfdenial surpassed even his zeal and
worldly wisdom. To aid the poor be
stacked all the streams he could control
with fish. The fruits Of his gardens he or
dered to be preserved and dealt out e the
needy.
A late empress craved an audience with
him-had the poor taste 70 denounce Ger
tain doctrines oil the church. Leo listtasd
with gentle courtesy On leaving, she was
bold enough to ask for his photograph and
request that he would write something be
meath il. LEO XIII. to those who walk liz
darkness and will not see light, wss whAs
she read.
Tne war between Spain and the unssed
States gave Leo infinite distress. He was
80 torn between the appeals Of his people
in Spain and the reliance bis loyal following
in the Unsaed States placed upon his up
holding the righteous end OF the cause that
il was feared he could not bear the strain
The queen of Holland appealed to Leo to
use his influence to end the South Africar
war; He declared no war had caused such
bitterness Of spirit--a war that was inspired
neither by ideals Of civilization nor by Just
national interests--but humbly added, ~
can do nothing but pray for the dead.
His life was regular and simple. He rose
at six--rather his valet called him at six
but often found him at his desk. 1t Is eti
quette that a pope eat alone, which he did
with all the hurry Of a business man. A.
eight he entered upon the business OF thu
day with one OF the cardinals. That over, hs
walked in the vatican gardens. which hs
supervised. A gardener, whom he censurec
for raising poor ivy, exclaimed: His holi
ness can teach everyone, syon his cardinal'
down."
After his walk he would return TO his re
ception room and receive all entitled to ar
audience. Receiving, pope remains seat
ed-the visitor makes three bows, one on en-
tering, one in the middle OF the room, on
when kissing the pope's slipper--audiencs
over, be backs from the room. II Leo re
ceived an American he directed be should
act as II he were being received by the prcsi
dent OF the United States. He dined lightly
in the middle of the day, committing but
one excess. When he could elude the eyes
r - n n.
when made i'll by this indulgence he hum.
bly, confessed he had eaten Of the forbidden
thing After dinner he INDUCED in the
siesta, so dear to Italians, then drove in the
gardens, attended by members OF the Swiss
and royal guards. After the drive he again
began work with bis secretary. At 10 he
took his evening meal. After supper and
prayers, all OF interest in the newspapers
was read TO him. He loved the news and
kept posted on all the political events
throughout the world There was nothing
in science, literature, art or philanthropy
with which he was not familiar. He sat up
late writing verses or connecting those won
derful productions he sent out to the world;
often would rouse his secretary in the mid
die of the night to take notes. He had none
of the English dread OF American inven-
tions, but wanted everything about him up
to-date, even to housekeeping, which never
occurred to any other pope. He employed
an army OF scrubbers, and as he had 100
rooms, IL was work OF time, but IL was
done with the thoroughness of New Eng
land housewife He did not scorn type
writer, but thought it undignified for him
to use one.
His manner and his person, his mind and
his speech were peculiar, like none round
him. His disposition was serene--his faith
sublime. He had strong sense Of humor
and vein Of sarcasm. A royal lady painted
his portrait--it was such an atrocious carica-
turs it amused him. She asked him to affix
his autograph--he wrote in Latin, 1T is /;
be not afraid Leo Kill" A physician
and scientist who visited him in 1899 said
LEO will not die like one OF us; he will
flicker out like a lamp having consumed its
last drop Of OIL" He loved life. said moth
ind could happen to lessen his love, but
added il was not for the mere love OF liv-
ing. He knew, as all knew, that he was
mentally as lively as ever; said he was ready
70 battle in the intellectual arena as long as
his bones held together The scientist said
he never saw one Of his age whose organiza-
ton was impaired so little He scorned
doctors and doctors stuff, yet he was cared
for and watched over like baby by DR..
Lapponi He ascribed his youthful spirit
to his blithe, contented mind, for which he
gave thanks and glory to God, but would
add. with his peculiar smile, II take a littls
credit to myself, too, and am proud that
feel as young as do. II one has something
to live for, then one must put of growing
old as long as possible, and that is what |
have done"
Leo delighted in disputes. His eyes would
sparkle-by smiles he would encourage his
opponent in every way possible. For him
il was real mental gymnastics.
The scientist retired and said be never
saw such subjugstion Of matter to spirit as
in Leo XIII. 1t was no figment, az il
claimed, that he was prisoner Of the vati
can. He might, indeed, pass out, but be was
mindful Of the insults and violence used to.
ward those who bore the body Of Plus TX.
from the ity-bore II Al riidnight, in order
to give the least offence lite would not have
the papacy Inundated ~ his august person.
The Italian government would not give him