Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-07-08

The marvellous vitality and recupera-
tive energy of the Pope were never so
forcibly demonstrated as by the series
of events preceding, accompanying and
following today's operation. Since this
morning, when first informed that the
operation would perhaps be necessary,
His Holiness began to inquire about it.
Turning to DR.. Lapponi with his usual
familiarity he asked: "Will it be pain
full? Remember / cannot stand much
pain" Instead of DR.. Lapponi, Dr. MAJ
Zoni answered.: 81 can assure Your
Holiness that you will feel no pain. A
little cocaine will deaden all sensation"
Pope Leo replied at once: Remember,
you said the same thing when you ex-
tracted that cyst few years ago"
The doctors, desiring a strong light
during the operation, had the window
widely opened, but as it faces the bed
the light offended the weak eyes of
the Pontilf so that it was thought de-
sirable that he should reverse his po-
sition. AS soon as this was proposed
the Pope himself made a movement,
showing again that spirit of activity
and determination which seems con-
stantly to inspire him. DIR. Mazzoni.
however, did not give him time to leave
the bed, but taking him in his arms
literally turned the Pontiff about. Pope
Leo smiled and exclaimed: Bravo,
professor, l congratulate you. Although
I have become so light, l must still be
rather heavy"
Pope Leo remained sitting up in bed
during the whole time of the operation
trrs4
MazZoni substituted the Pravaz needle
for n Potan aspirator, the Pope did
not even notice it, going through the
whole affair without emitting the
slightest lament and without showing
any feeling of pain. AS soon as the
operation was closed His Holiness felt
much relieved. He afterwards express
ed a desire to see the liquid which had
been extracted from his thoraX. Both
doctors assured him that his wish would
be gratified later. The Pontiff then
asked for minute explanations of the
apparatus used in the operation.
1T is a most ingenius instrument"
he said, but your hand is also very
clever. That is why the operation was
successful in not giving me any pain.
thank you"
After half an hours peaceful and
apparently refreshing repose the Pope
awoke and inquired for the doctors.
Hearing they were in the next room
he said: Il thought they had gone.
What do they stay here for? What
are they plotting?"
DR.. Lapponi, re-entering the room,
said: I'VE were preparing bulletins re-
garding the operation, saying it was
successful in all respects" DR.. MAJ
zoni added: I'VE must inform the pub
lie, which is waiting with such trepi-
iation, especially as 1t is so easy to
have inexact news spreau."
every WELL" replied His Holiness. II
wish to see these bulletins in their
exact text. I have already seen and
medtated on that of last night"
He then went on speaking about the
cause of his illness. Il would like to
know" he said, from what it comes.
l think l have always followed DIR. Lap
poni's advice"
mot always, Your Holiness" replied
Lapponi, gently.
WELL" retorted the Pope, you could
not expect to remedy my old age"
After short silence the Pope turn
ing to DR.. Mazzoni said: "In the last
consistory I appointed as a cardinal
fellow citizen of yours, Cardinal Tall
Continued on page 2.)