The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-07-08
Pope Leo Once More Dis- plays His Wonderful
 Vitality
DOCTORS ASTONISHED AT HIS BRIGHTNESS
While the Vatican Is Torn With Great Anxiety the Aged Pontiff Jokes With Mazzoni About
 His Weight.

1 Rome, July Z-The marvellous vitality were never so forcibly demonstrated as by the series of events preceding. accom- panying and following today's operations. Since this morning, when first informed that the operation would perhaps be necessary. his holiness began to inquire about 1t. Turning to Dr. Lapponi with his usual familiarity he asked:
 "Will 1t be painful; remember I cannot stand much pain?'
 Instead of Dr. Lapponi. Dr. Mazzoni answered: T can assure your holiness that you will feel no pain. A little CO., caine will deaden all sensation.'
 Pope Leo retorted at once: "Remem- Der you said the same thing when you extracted that cist a few years ago."
 Dr. Lapponi replied that the operation went very well, but this can hardly be called an operation.
 The pope then concluded: Then do whatever you think best"
 The Operation Performed.
 When the operation took place nobody was allowed In the room beside the doc- tors. except Pope Leo's valet. Piocentre. even his nephew, Count Camille Pecci. left the room. too. with extreme anxiety. He, however. went only to an adjoining room to await any summons. The doc tors, desiring a strong light. had thrown the windows open, but the light offended the weak eyes of the pontinf so it was l thought desirable that he should reverse his position. As soon as this was pro- posed the pope himself made move ment. indicating again that spirit of &C., tivity and determination which, seems constantly to inspire him. Dr. MazSoni.- however, did not give time to leave the bed, but taking him in his arms literally turned the pontiff about. Pope Leo smiled and exclaimed: Bravo. professor, I congratulate you. Although l have be- come so light, must still be rather | heavy"
 Both the doctors laughed and were at the same time astonished at the bright ness of the pontir when oppressed by such dangerous illness and on the point of undergoing a surgical operation.
 Sat Up In Bed.
 Pope Leo remained sitting up In bed dur ing the whole time of the operation with out need of support. When Dr. Mazzoni substituted the pravase needle with l pDtdln lDSplidlOIf tnt IpPo dib hoN NfNts notice 1t, going through the whole affair l without emitting the slightest lament, l and without showing any feeling Of pain. He was extremely pale, almost diaphan- ous and somewhat tremulous As soon as the operation was closed his holiness felt much relieved His eye from an ex- pression of languld melancholy assumed it's usual vivaclty, Illuminating the ema- ciated face The doctor at once adminls- tered cordial which the pontin took wil- lingly. thanking him with grateful look for the brave struggle to preserve his life. He afterwards expressed a desire to see the liquid which had been extracted from his thorax. Both doctors assured him that his wish would be gratfed The pontin then asked for minute explanation of the apparatus used in the operation. 'It is a most ingenious instrument" he said "but your hand Is also very clever That Is why the operation was successful in not giving me any pain. l thank you"
 Enjoys Refreshing Sleep.
 After half an hours peaceful and ap- parently refreshing repose, the pope awoke and inquired about the doctors. Hearing they were in the next room. he said T thought they had gone. What do they stay here for? What are they plotting?"
 pr. Lapponi re-entering the room said:
 We were preparing bulletins regarding the operation, saying 1t was successful in | all respects"
 1 pr. Mazzoni added: We must inform the public, which is waiting with such | trepidaton, especially as it is so easy to | have inexact news spread.
 "Very we'll" replied his holiness. T wish to see myself these bulletins in their exact text l have already seen and med | itated on that of last night" l He then went on speaking about the | causes of his illness. "I would like to know" he said. from what it comes think I have always followed Dr. Lap | ponis advice"
 Not always, your holiness" replied Dr. Lapponi gently.
 Well" retorted Pope Leo, you could not expect to remedy old age"
 The happy and cheerful expressions of the pontiff at the moment when he was | in the very shadow of death. astonished the doctors. The pope himself seems to | boast in his ability to present calm and bright demeanor and particularly asks the doctor to tell the people about the state | of his mind.