The Birmingham age-herald., 1903-07-09
BraVs Old Man is Fighting z VaIianHy Against
 Disease
DOCTORS HAVE LITTLE
 HOPE FOR RECOVERY
During the Day Bulletins Favorable and Unfavorable Alternate and It Is Believed That Life of the
 Pontiff Is Ebblng Away.

Rome, July 9.-1:15. = The life of Pope Leo continues to hang by a thread with the exception that any moment may bring the end. Yet the wonderful vi- tality of the remarkable old man is com batting a complication of diseases which would endanger a strong man in the prime of life. It appears that every one in the vatican Is obliged to give way to overpowering fatigue, so much more tram auil is 1t in the palace than outside. Peo- pie still congregate on the piazza of St. Peter The corner of the palace which remained lighted the longest was the apartment of Cardinal Rampolll, where the lights were extingulshed only short time after those in the room where Mon signor volponi, one of the pontiff's inti- mate friends, is lying in a serious condi- tion as a result of an attack of syncope that he suffered today. Pope Leo, as though he had second sight. has asked several times why Monsgnor yolponi had not been to see him. Naturally the con- dition of Monslgnor volponi has been kept from the pope.
 Reports Alternate.
 Throughout yesterday the reports from the sick room alternated with fears and hopes. At times rumors of the gray est character gained circulation. Out of the mass of contradictory reports the essential features of the pope's actual condition are indicated in the bulletins is- sued at 9'45 yesterday morning at at 8:15 last evening bearing the signatures of the -1,r K,,IIo tin was notceably free from technical language. During the night the pope had secured little refreshing sleep, and with this sleepiessness was augmented depres- sion. The difficulty in breathing had in- creased and derangement of the kidneys began to manifest itself. These complica- tions were fully and frankly stated by the doctors.
 Their official bulletin was supplemented in the course of personal conversation in which they showed that they entertain ed scarcely any hopes of recovery. Yet they always qualified their statements, setting forth the remarkable constitution al strength and energy of the patient as the most striking evidence of his al- most superhuman will. They instanced the dying mans leaving his bed during the morning and taking several steps unaided save by cane to an arm chair. When this became known, many were disposed to criticize the doctors for per- mtting such exhausting effort, but It was explained that the entire absence or fever, the temperature being even below normal eliminated the danger of syncope from this exertion. Moreover, the attend ing physicians recognized that they were battling with man of iron will, who does not know the meaning of restraint.
 Climatic Conditions Favorable.
 Fortunately, all the climatic conditions in Rome for the time being. are favor able to the sufferer. The air is delicious ly cool and there Is a complete absence of the enervating sirocco which depresses and kills. The bright sunshine streams into the papal apartments. The encour- aging conditions are further augmented by the constant use of artificial means of exhilIrating air including steady supplies of oxygen Except for the brief time that he passed in the arm chair, the pope lay in bed throughout the day, shifting his position frequently without assistance and occasionally taking small draught of diluted wine with the yolk of eggs. The only solid food he has taken is calves brains and meat broth.
 The latest official bulletin following a consultation between Drs. Lapponi and Mazzoni completely contradicted the alarming reports and gave most favor able statement This was disclosed in the improved pulse, better feSplrdIlOn ana ameliorated general condition.
 Recovery Possible.
 Dr. Mazzoni said in a conversation fol- lowing the issuance of the S:i5 D. m. but letin, that while the popes condition still continued desperate recovery was not en- tirely impossible. Unfortunately, some ele- ments in the population of Rome. includ- ing a few who are high in the councils of the vatican, are inclined to cast doubt on the sincerity of the bulletins. This led during the day to a strong movement in favor of calling other physicians. The theory of the initiators of this movement was that Doctors Lapponi and Mazzoni had msjudged the disease taking for pneumonia what was really pleurisy. Both accepted the idea of consultation with any of their colleagues. Many emil nent specialists have been proposed, but it was said late in the night that 1t had practically been determined that Dr. Rosini should be called In if another con- sulation was decided on.
 No Need of Consultation.
 However, pr. Mazzoni said that in his opinion there was no immediate need of a consultation, and that one would not be held unless the present conditions changed.
 Crowds of silent, curious people watched the lights glImmer in the sick chamber till past midnight from the broad piazza outside St. Peters, anxiously awaiting news from within. Now and then distinguished prelates came and in- auired regarding the popes condition, and they in turn would give the little groups their varying expressions of hope and fear The prevailing sentiment of those ad- mittedly nearest to the sufferer is that his life Is gradually ebbing away but whether death will be matter of hours or days neither the doctors nor his near est friends can tell.
 THE POPE SLEEPS.