The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-11-02
VATICAN ON FIRE.
The Pope Turned Out and Di-
rected Work of Firemen.


Rome, Nov 2.-Fire broke out at half
past Sunday evening in that portion
of the Vatican containing the hall of
inscriptions. where the pope gives his
audiences, and which is adjacent to the
famous Pinacoteca, or gallery of pic
lures.
The alarm caused much confusion
and excitement in the Vatican. Siren
uous efforts were made to control the
flames, and the fremen of Rome were
called to lend their help.
AT a quarter past IL the fire was
under control. No lives were lost.
The pope came to the scene in person,
and remained until the arrangements to
fight the fire were made.
The fire caused a greater sensation in
rome than any other event since The
death of Pope Leo. The safety of the
pope was the first thought in everyone s
mind, but this was soon assured. When
the Dontiff arrived at the scene, he or
dered everyone to assist in extingu.sh-
ing the flames
The first intimation of fire was had
when smoke was seen issuing from the
apartment of NJ. Marie which is To-
Gated above that of Father EhrIe, the
librarian, who lived over the library
itself. M. Marie is a celebrated French
restorer of ancient manuscripts and il
Illuminated books: he is at present en-
gagged IN copying a work, and his first
reproductions have been selected for
part of the vatican exhibit at the St
Louis exposition. The famous Bramante
staircase leads to that part of the vat
lean where the fire broke out.
The gendarmes broke in the doors of
NJ. Marle's apartments and found him
in a heavy sleep. 1t is supposed he re-
tired and forgot to take proper precau-
lions with his kitchen fire. which prob
ably blazed up and ignited some nearby
dra peries
10 fire.
tons that the gendarmes, who were
the ErSt on the scene, gave an irnmedi-
ate general alarm.
The whole palace awoke to instant
me- The Swiss guards, the papal fire.
men, gendarmes, priests and domestics
all rushed hither and in ignorant con-
fusion, asking what was the matter, no
one knowing where or what the danger
was, or what to do.
News of the fire was Immediately
conveyed to- the pope. who was found
kneellng in his chapel for his usual
evening prayer. He insisted on going
at once to the scene, Notwithstanding
the fact that he was begged to think
first of his own safety.
The librarian, accompanied by Mon
signor Merry del Val, the papal secre-
tary of state; Monsignor Bisleo, the pa
pal major, and Monsignor Dellichs, and
followed by the members of the noble
guard attached to his person, followed
the pope.
The moment he arrived his mind
grasped the gravity of the situation
and he ordered that the firemen of Rome
be called This was done by telegraph.
The fremen arrived in about ten min
utes, and, although they brought four
engines with them and were at once
ready to begin operations, it took some
time to find the best way to get suffi-
cient water supply. with which ito fight
the fire.
to break out of the windows of NJ. Marie s
apartment and were destroying the roof.
The. flames lighted up the entire district
and gave the impression that nothing
could stop their fury
When the fire engines began working
stroYed. -