New-York tribune., 1903-07-08

Pope Leo retorted at once: Remember. you
said the same thing when you extracted that
cyst a few years ago"
Dr. Mazzoni replied: That operation went
very well. but this can hardly be called
operation"
The Pope replied: Then do whatever you
think best"
When the operation took place nobody was
allowed in the room besides the doctors except
Pope Leos valet. Pho Centra. Even his nephew.
Count Camille Pecci. left the room to await
with extreme anxiety in an adjoining hall the
result.
CHEERFUL IN GREAT DANGER.
The doctors. desiring a strong light. had the
window widely opened, but as it faces the bed
the light offended the weak eyes of the Pontiff.
so that it thought desirable that he should
re~erse his position. AS soon as this was pro-
posed the Pope himself made a movement
showing again that spirit of activity and deter
mination which seems constantly to inspire
him. DR.. Mazzoni however, did not give him
time to leave the bed. but. taking him in his
arms. turned the Pontif about
Pope Leo smiled and exclaimed: Bravo pro-
fessor. l congratulate you. Although 1 have
become so light, must still be rather heavy"
Both the doctors laughed, and were at the
same time astonished at the brightness of the
Pontiff when oppressed b. such an Illness and
on the point Of undergoing surgical operation
for his life.
rope Leo remained sitting up in bed during
the operation, without need Of support. When
DR.. Mazzoni substituted for the Pravaz needle
Potain aspirator. the Pope did not even
notice It. going through the whole affair with
out emitting the slightest lament. and without
showing any feeling of pain. He was extremely
pale. almost diaphanous. and somewhat trem-
ulous.
AS soon as the operation was over His Holi-
ness felt much relieved. His eyes changed from
an expression of Ianguid melancholy and as
sumed their usual vivacity Illuminating the
emaciated face. DR.. Mazzoni at once adminis
tered cordial which the Pontiff took willingly.
thanking him, with a grateful look for the
brave struggle to preserve his life He after
ward expressed desire to see the liquid which
had been extracted from his thorax Both doc
tors assured him that his wish would be graf
flied later
INTERESTED IN THE INSTRUMENTS.
The Pontif then asked for minute expiana-
tions OF the apparatus used in the operation.
1T is a most ingenious instrument" he said,
"but your hand is also very clever. That is
why the operation was successful in not giving
any pain. thank you"
After half an hours peaceful and apparently
refreshing repose the Pope awoke and inquired
about the doctors. Hearing they were both in
the next room he said: Il thought they had
gone What do they stay here for? What are
they plotting?"
DR.. Lapponi. re-entering the room. said: I'VE
were preparing bulletins regarding the opera
tion. saying It was successful in all respects"
Dr. Mazzoni added: 1--WE must inform the
especially as it is so easy to have inexact news
spread"
Very we'll" replied His Holiness. Il wish to
see myself these bulletins in their exact text.
have already seen and medtated that of
last night"
DISCUSSES SICKNESS WITH DOCTORS
He then went on speaking about the causes
of his Illness Il would like 10 know" he said.
from what it comes. 1 think have always
followed Dr. Lapponi's advice"
Not always. Your Holiness" replied Dr. Lap
poni gently.
We'll" retorted Pope Leo you could not ex-
pect TO remedy my Old age"
TOr
Mazzoni, said: In the last Consistory I ap-
pointed as a cardinal fellow citizen of yours,
Cardinal TaIiani, who comes from the Marches.
Do you know him?"
Yes, Your Holiness, 1 know him. hope that
that WIFI not be your last Consistory."
II am afraid So" sighed the Pope sadly.
After this his head fell upon the pillow. as IL
he we're extremely tired
The happy and cheerful expression OF the
Pontin at the moment when he was in the
shadow OF death astonished the doctors. The
Pope himself seems TO take pride in his ability
10 present a calm and bright demeanor, and
particularly asked the doctors to tell people
about the state of his mind Accordingly the
doctors have freely spoken Of the cheerfulness
OF their patient. repeating his sallies to show
the activity OF his mind.
THE OPERATION IN DETAIL.
AS the operation was not serious as to
make necessary the use of chloroform or other
anaesthetics the Pope lay his bed. with his
nit 70 fha vyai iSt