The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-07-16
August Patients Strength is
Diminishing Slowly,C
tinuously.
BREATHING is DIFFICULT
The Rally Was Marvellous The Pops Arose,
Received Four Cardinals and
Asked Them to be
Seated.
(By the Associated Press.)

Rome, July 18TH, 6:15 a. m.-The Pope
tinues.
Rome, July 15.-Q:20 a. m)-Another
remarkable rally in Pope Leo's condition
occurred yesterday afternoon after j
morning, in the course of which His Holi-
ness suffered spells of dilirium and at
times his strength sank to the lowest ebb,
and now tonight he lies in no worse con-
dition than be was on Monday evening,
except for the steady diminution OF his
strength. Monsgnor Bisletia, master of
the chamber, visited the sick room just
after midnight and on emerging stated
that the Pontiff's condition was I'M
changed. little later the Pope fell into
a sleep which it has been announced IS
fairly tranquil, although the patient 5
respiration is troublesome.
Yesterdays rally was Enthusiastically
opposed to every medical theory, and con-
sisted in getting out of bed, on which
tive hours previously the Pope himself had
made all preparations for death. Unsatis-
fed with this exhibition of vitality, he
ransacked private business and received
four cardinals with whom he talked in
an animated way. In fact, Pope Leo's
record for yesterday, little of which ap-
peared in last nights bulletin would be
incredible if it was not confirmed by the
doctors and cardinals present in the sick
chamber. None seem more perplexed than
the doctors themselves. Dr. Lapponi said
frankly, 4 cannot imagine how the Pope
manages to keep alive
- he Nh ha Do,&fH
may die at any moment, even In the midst
of one of those extraordinary intervals
when his mind and body present COM
paratively sound appearance. All those
around the patient have long since ceased
to hold definite opinions regarding the
duration of the Pontiff's existence. The
slow but progressive diminution of the
strength of the august patient foretell the
>>aI preaching end of the struggle with death
but the doctors will not venture to pre-
dict how near the end is. Constant re-
lapses, they say, such as created alarm
early yesterday, are gradually wearing
down the Pope's constitution, which seems
immune from any specific disease. Most
persons are inclined to the idea that Pope
Leo may go through perhaps two or three
repetitions Of yesterdays ups and downs,
till, as DIR. Rossoni puts it, his pulse
stops forever"
Three causes may end his life viz: Con-
tinued inability to take nourishment,
which was exhibited today, sudden heart
failure or the progression of pleuric dis
case.
The latter is thought the least probable
AS day succeeds day it becomes pathology
caIly clearer that it is case of very
old man dying because he has lived his
allotted time.
The Pope himself yesterday afternoon
ordered the four cardinals to be admitted
end received them standing, he who Is
supposed to be at the point of deatf
saying please be seated" He recounted
the impressive ceremony of the morning
wien he received the benedictIon of the
Franciscan Order. The cardinals In
formed him of the worldwide prayers fol
his life. Pope Leo answered that he was
much gratifed, but that he was ready
for his final departure. concluding by say
ing Gods will be done" Even more strIK
ing was the Pope's interview with his
secretary, Monsignor Angel. His Holmes
sent Tor him, saying that he wished Il
see certain papers. which the secretar!
brought. Then, after short examination
Mgr. Angel wished to get the Pope's de
cision on the matter but Pope Leo said
well, well, not today We will do tina
some other time
curious controversy is proceeding be
tween the Vatican medical body, com
posed of ten doctors of lesser Importance
than Dr. Lapponi and several foreign ply
sicians over the embalming of Pope Leo
body. Several foreigners having offeref
processes of embalming. each more won
derful than the other, the papal doctor
unearthed Pcntifical bulls. giving the RICH
to embalm the Pope solely to the Vatican
medical body.
Rome, July 1.-THE Pope, as thougl