The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-07-19
MODIFIED THE EDICT
THE PoPE's INFLUENCE WITH
 -2. THE CHAR. /. ss1
Saved Prosecuted Jews-something Of the Cardinals Most 'PromInently Mentioned For the
 Succession.
William E. Curtis in Chicago Record Herald.

William E. Curtis in Chicago Hecoro-
 Herald.
 Some years ago after the Russian gov ernment had issued an edict expellins the Jews from certain sections of that coun- fry. if was found impossible for many or the victims to obey without suffering great loss and they appealed Tor more lime to settle their affairs, dispose or their property and make preparations ioH A departure from their former home rms was refused, and notice was given that the edict would be rigidly enforced About this time Jesse Seligman, the eminent Jewish banker of New York, appeared in Rome. whether from accident of travel or with a purpose in his mind, cannot say but he was always deeply interested III the welfare of the members or ms race: It so happened that Archbishop Irelanc of St. Paul was there at the same time. and meeting MT. Seligman at the notei they talked of the Russian edict and the sufferings of the Jews in that empire.
 In the course of conversation MT. Selig- man inquired whether it would be possl- ble. and if so, whether 1t would be proper for the Pope to exercise his innuence III behalf of Israel After some discussion Archbishop Ireland volunteered to make inquiries at the Vatican. The next morn ing he called upon the Cardinal Secretary of State, who received him very kindly and offered to submit the question to the Pope which he did with his usual prompt ness. The next day MT. Seligman was invited to the Vatican and climbed the long stairs to the apartments of Leo XIII In the top story of that enormous build ing the Holy Father listened with great attention and sympathy to his explana- ton of the case, and promised that if the Roman church had any influence what ever with the Russian government it would be immediately exercised in behalf of the Jews.
 By his instructions the Russian diplo- matic representative at the Vatican was sent for and the views of the Holy See were fully explained to him. He was re- uuested to appeal to his government in behalf of it's Jewish citizens and to say that the sympathy of the Pope had been very much excited and he would regard it as a great personal favor to himself as well as a service to humanity if the time for their banishment were extended in order that they might settle their affairs
 We do not know how the message went to St. Petersburg, nor what occurred there, but the edct of expulsion was inn mediately modified as requested.
 It is believed that if Leo XIII could act today he would exercise both his personal and pontifical influence in behalf of the Jews in Russia.
 There is a great deal of discussion in the newspapers these days about the suc- cessorship to the Papal throne. but those who are wisest and most competent to judge make the prediction that neither of the prominent candidates will be elected. Popular sentiment in Rome and else where seems to indorse the superstition that Cardinal Gotti prefect of the con- gregation of studies. will be the next Pope. This superstition is based upon prophecy of St. Malachi, the Irish Bishop of Armagh, several hundred years ago, which refers to each of the popes in or der and indicates the character of the men who are to succeed to the papal throne for several centuries. The fulfill ment 'of these prophecies have been so remarkable in the past that those referr- ing to future popes have great influence upon the public, and indeed. upon the members of the College of Cardinals also. In reference to the successor of Leo XIII. he points so plainly to Cardinal Gotti that in many quarters it is taken for granted that he must be elected, but the opposition to his is very strong.
 In the first place he is the candidate of the religious orders. He is supported by the Jesuits. the Franciscans, the Domini- cans the Benedictines. the Capuchins and other regular clergy" as they are call ed who are determined to recover con- trol of the machinery of the church. While there are several very strong monks in the College of Cardinals, they are in a minority. and are extremely un- popular in circles where great influence