The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1903-07-25
TRAITS OF LEO XIII.
Incidents Portraying the Late
Pontif7s Character.
GENEROUS AND KIND TO THE POOR

HIS Gentle Reproof Of m Empress
who Criticised HIS Lavish chari-
ttes-How He Helped the Poor OF
italy In q FamIne--sampIes Of HIS
Repartee-why He Took the Name
OF Leo.
The many anecdotes recounted Of the
late Pope Leo XIII before and after
his accession to the papal throne serve
better to illustrate his character than
columns Of comment might do, says the
New York Evening Journal During
the earlier years Of his ambitious priest
hood his wit, softened in later years BY
his inherent gentleness, could and ait
times did become caustic. lie was
diplomatic and grave when occasion re-
quired, but quick at repartee, and few
cared to measure wits with him.
While nancio to Belgium, In 1S43, it
is related that a marquis Of question,
able reputation was SO iii bred as to ex-
hibit to him d silver snuffbox, Oh the
lid of which. in raised enamel, was the
nude figure Of Venus arising from the
sea. Disregardlng the ripple Of amuse
ment IN the assembly which the act
provoked, the young nuneio examined
the snuffhox with the utmost gravity.
He handed 1t back to the marquis after
his inspection with polite bow and
remarked quietly:
Charming. And. as you carry it,
marquis I assume that 1t is portrait
OF the marchioness.'
The pope's personal character has
been the sGbieet of much conflicting
comment. He has been accused Of par
simony, but as matter Of fact the rec
ords Of his life show that he acted at
all times with great generosity, self de-
NAL and wisdom. a few years ago the
poor Of Italy were suffering from FAM
inc. The pope, at his own expense,
stocked all the streams and pools OF the
surrounding country plentifully with
fish that the poor might catch and eat.
More recently he ordered the fruits of
the immense Vatican gardens put up
as preserves for distribution among the
needy.
Among the stories told Of him is one
of late empress, who, when visiting
him, took him to task for his lavish
charities arguing that such giving,
which she characterized as indiscrimi-
nate did more harm than good Her
criticisms. although rather sharp and
pointed, were listened to with indul-
genee by his holiness. On departing, she
asked him FOR his autograph or photo
graph. He complied, and when she
later openes the envelope containing
the picture she found written IN the
beautiful script Of the pope the gentle
reproof:
Pope Leo Kill, to those who walk
in darkness and viii not see the light
On the question Of giving money to
those whose needs were not great, how
ever, Pope Leo MIL was obdurate
TO his own nephews he gave little, and
their heritage now will be the COM
iparatively small estate which the late
pontiff inherited from his father 10
one Of his nephews, an officer In his
guard, who complained Of his small
earnings his holiness once said sharply
"Spend as little on yourself as / spend
on myself and you viii have less need
for wealth"
He granted no special favors % his
relatives. although bis love for them
was unquestionably great and he in
sisted on them living in the most ex-
lemplary manner He wished TO guard
The honor Of his entire family as well
las bis own.
One OF his nephews, soon after the
Ipope's accession, wished to withdraw
from promise OF marriage on the plea
that his fancee was not q suitable
match for the nephew Of the pope, Leo
XIII. heard Of his contemplated action
land sternly commanded the young man
to hold to his word The marriage took
place