The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-07-09

all lll6AN'
Rome, July 8, lis a. m.-The life
of pope Leo continues to hang by a
thread. it'll the expectation that any
moment may bring the final catac-
trophe. Yet the wonderful vitality of
the remarkable old man is combating
d complication of diseases which
would endanger a strong man in the
prime of life.
1t would appear that everyone in the
Vatican is obliged to give way TO
empowering fatigue, so much more
tranquil is it in the palace than out
side. people being still congregated on
the piazza of st. Peters as this dis
patch was filed. The corner of the
palace which remained lighted the long
est was the apartment of Cardinal
Rampona where the lights were ex-
tnguished only a short time after those
in the room where Mgr. Volponi, one
of the Pontiff's most intimate friends
is lying in a serious condition as a re-
suit of the attack of syncope that he
suffered to-day.
Pope Leo, as though he had second
sight, has asked several times why
Mgr. Volponi has not been to see him.
Naturally the condition of Mgr. Vol
POM has been kept from the Pope.
Reports Were COntradictOry.
Throughout yesterday the reports
from the sick room alternated with
fears and hopes. At times rumors of
the gravest character gained currency.
Out of the mass of contradictory re-
ports the essential features of the
Pope's actual condition are indicated
in the bulletin issued at 9:45 yester-
day morning, and at S:15 last evening,
bearing the signatures of the two at
tending doctors.
Their official bulletin was supple
mented in the course of personal con-
versation, in which they showed that
they entertained scarcely any hopes OF
recovery. Yet they always qualified
their statements, setting forth the re-
markabe constitutional strength and
indomnitable energy of the patient as
the most striking evidence of his al
most superhuman will. They instanced
the dying man leaving his bed during
the morning and taking several steps
unaided, save by a cane, to an arm
chair.
Critiscd the Doctors.
When this became known, many were
disposed to criticise the doctors for
permitting such an exhausting effort,
but it was explained that the entire
absence of fever, the temperature be-
ing even below normal, eliminated the
danger of syncope from this exertion
Moreover, the attending physicians rec
ognized that they were battling with a
man of iron will. who does not know
the meaning of restraint.
Fortunately all the climatic condi-
tons in Rome for the time being are
favorable to the sufferer. The encour-
aging conditions are further augmented
by the constant use of artificial means
Of exhiaration, including steady sup
plies of oxygen.
Except for the brief time he passed
In the armchair. the Pope lay in bed
throughout the day, shifting his posi-
ton frequently without assistance, and
occasionally taking a small draft of
diluted wine with the yolks of eggs.
The only solid food he has taken is
calves brains and meat broth.
Statement Most Favorable
The later official bulletin, following
consultation between Drs. Lappon
ana Mazzoni, completely contradicted
nc alarmist reports, and gave a most
favorable statement. This was DIS
closed in the improved pulse, better
aspiration and ameliorated general
condition. DR.. Mazzoni said in a con-
'efSatlon, following the issuance OF
we S;l5 p. m. bulletin. that while the
'ope's condition still continued des-
perate, recovery was not entirely i'm
possible.
Down on the Doctors.
Rome, July S.-Dr. Mazzoni was sud