The Wichita daily eagle., 1903-08-12
POPE 5 FA|NI|NG FIT
His Exertions of Late Have
Been Exhausting.
PEOPLE WERE ALARMED
But Rest and Quiet viii Re-
store His Strength.

Rome. Aug. 11.-Pope Plus X had a
faintiag 1t this morning while celebrat-
ing mass. His holiness soon revived.
The pope has been over-exerting him
self to such an extent that his naturally
strong constitution was unable to bear
the strain upon 1t by the coronation
ceremonies. Such has been the effect
upon his nerves that he has been unable
to sleep for whole nights, while numer-
Gus receptions yesterday made matters
worse. Last night his holiness was very
much agitated, still he insisted upon
admitting this morning to hear his mass
all, Venetians who had jowneyed to
Rome purposely to attend the corona
tion. They numbered about % when the
mass began in the Pauline chapel and
the air was vitiated, with the tempera-
ture above 80 degrees.
Pope Plus was seen to grow paler and
paler, finally throwing out his hands as
though seeking support He would have
fallen had not Monsignor Bressan, his
pi4HdbO NAalldll, b6en QUICK 10 Cdlcn
him. It is impossible to describe the
confusion and alarm among the worship
pers while the pope lay motionless and
unconscious. with his eyes closed
Fortunately among the Venet!ans pres
emf was DR.. Davenezia who for nine years
has been the popes attending physician
at Venice. but has been called only once
during that time to treat sore throat.
DR.. Davenezia gave the pOntiff immediate
assistance, while the messengers tele-
phoned Dr. Lapponi The latter rushed
to the Vatican but did not arrive until
after the pope had been restored to con-
sciousness and tken to his own apart
ments
The pope had already given the COM
mutation to 200 people when he began to
feel Ill. Those about him soon perceived
that he was not himself, by his nervous
ness and impatience. which showed itself
when his attendant handed him his spec
tacles. He pushed them aside and drew
another pair from his pocket When
another attendant tried to tie the ribbons
of his robes behind he told him to stop
and did it himself, a most unusual oc-
currence with him. The CONSERVATION of
the ' NfneLidllS hnen lEeY saw MIN Ia NJ
was greoat and they rendered matters
worse by crowding around him. Mon
signor Bisleti, however. kept his pres
ence OF mind and ordered the Swiss guard
TO clear a space about the pontiff Smell
ing salts were brought hastily and had
the desired effect.
J When able TO speak again the pope
asked for few drops Of waters, which
Iwere given him, and water was sprinkled |
ION his face. His gown was opened at |
the neck as he seemed to be choking. He |
refused resolutely, however, to be car |
ried to his apartment, saying that he
was sufficitnely strong to walk. The
way thither was cleared and ne pro-
ceeded slowly, surrounded by his anxious
encourage, his head bent almost on his
shoulder and his face so pale that the
flesh was scarcely distinguishable from
his robes. The neck of his gown still
remained open.
It was A solemn moment when the pom
tiff passed through the midst of the
kneeling Venetians without having the
strength to give them his benediction.
Deep silence accentuated the impressive
ness of the scene AS he went out of
sight through the Raphael loggia tears
fell from the cheeks of several of the
pilgrims and one could not refrain from
crying out: Take care of yourself, yaur
holiness. for our salles, who love you
so much as well as for your own
Although the pope was much better
this afternoon, DR.. Lspponi, who visited
him again. thought it more prudent for
his holiness not TO leave his apartment
and not to go into the garden of the Vat
lean, as he desired. The doctor further
insisted on a suspension of audiences.
The pontiff seemed more docile to the
doctors wishes than his predecessor, al
though he insisted on transacting some
current business. such as the appoint
ment of Alberto Sill. the son Of the dean
OF the grooms. as his personal valet. the
place occupied by Pic Centra under Pope
Leo.
DR.. Davenozia speaking about the pope,
said:
IF they wish our Plus not to succumb
the Vatican authorities must change
their system. They must not oblige him
10 follow the habits OF Pope Leo. The
present pontin needs especially lots OF
fresh air. He must not be shut up in
blk in vitiated atmosphere"
The pope retired earlier than usual.
saying that he felt quite tired. RH init
mates say that he is much changed since
his election and seems to have grown
years older His sisters at Venice were
much alarmed over the news Of his indis-
position and have decided TO come TO
Rome to attend him.