New-York tribune., 1903-07-15
BRAVE FIGHT FOR LIFE.
The Pontif's Strength, Houeuer,
Gradually Decreasing.

OfUOUUttY OCCFEuStHS.
Rome, July Is, 4:1O a. m.-The general
condition of the Pope is almost unchanged.
To periods Of restlessness succeed periods of
drOwsiness.
Another remarkable rally IN Pope Leos con
dition occurred yesterday afternoon after a
morning in the OF which His Holiness
suffered spells of deliriuIn. and at times his
strength sank TO the lowest ebb. Tonight he
lies In no worse condition than he was on Mon
day evening. except for the steady diminution
OF his strength. Monsgnor Blsleti. master OF
the chamber. visited the sickroom Just after
midnight. and afterward stated that the Pom
tiff's condition unchanged. A little later
the Pope fell into a sleep which was fairly
tranquil. although the patients respiration was
troublesome.
Yesterdays rally was characteristicaily op-
posed to every medical theory. and consisted in
getting out OF the bed. on which two hours pre-
viously the Pope himself had made all prepa-
rations for death. Not satisfied with this exhi-
bition of vitality, he transacted private business
and receive four cardinals with whom he talked
In animated way. In fact. Pops Ieo's record
for yesterday little of which appeared in last
nights official bulletin. would be incredible II it
were not confirmed by the doctors and cardi-
nails present in the sick chamber.
DOCTORS ADMIT PERPLEXITT.
No one seems more perplexed than the doctors
| themselves. DR.. Lapponi said frankly: IT can
| not imagine how the Pope manages to keep
A
may die at sny moment, even In one of those
/ extraordinary intervals when his mind and body
present comparatively sound appearance.
l 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 dininution OF the strength Of
the august patient foretells the approaching
end of the struggle with death. but the doctors
will not venture to predict how near the end
/ is. Constant relapses. they say. such created
alarm early yesterday. gradually wearing
down the Pope's constitution. which seems i'm
mune from any specific disease. Most persons
I are inclined to the idea that Pope Leo may go
/ through perhaps two or three repetitions OF
/ yesterdays ups and downs until as DR.. Ros-
/ II,
Three causes may hasten the end These are
| continued inability to take nourishment. which
| was exhibited to-day; sudden heart failure. and
! the advance OF the pleuric disease. The last is
thought the least probable. AS day succeeds day
/ it becomes clearer that 1t Is case OF very
old man dying because he has lived his allotted
/ time.
/ RECEIVES CARDINALS STANDING.
The Pope himself yesterday afternoon ordered
the four cardinals to be admitted. and received
them standing he. who Is supposed to be at the
point OF death, saying. please be seated He
recounted the impressive ceremony Of the
morning when he received the benediction OF the .
Franciscan Order. The cardinals informed him
of the worldwide prayers for his life. Pope Leo
answered that he was much gratihed but that
he was ready for his final departure. concluding
by saying. Gods will be done
Even more striking was the Pope's interviews
with his secretary, Monsignor Angel His HOii-
ness sent for him. saying he wished TO see GER
/ tain papers. which the secretary brought.
Then after short explanation. Monsignor
Angel wished to get the Pope's decision on ths
I matter, but rope Leo sdlu we'll NeH. wv
to-day. We will do that some other time"
7 A curious controversy Is proceeding between
the Vatican medical body. composed OF ten
doctors Of less importance than DIR. Lapponi.
and several foreign physicians. over the en-
balming Of Pope Leos body Several foreigners
having offered processes OF embalming. each
more wonderful than the other. the Papal doc
tors unearthed pontifcal bulls giving the right
70 embaIm the Pope solely to the Vatican medi-
cal body.
Rome July H.-By great physical and men
.aI effort the Pope about 8 O'Clock raised himself
70 a sitting position and insisted upon getting
ont Of bed and though ne returned in few mo-
ments the change in position seemed TO have
afforded 10 him some relief His condition im-
Droved so much that four cardinals. CaviechionL
che Titular Archbishop OF Nazanza: Noceila
patriarch of Antioch: Tripepi. the Prefect OF
the congregation OF Indulgenees. and Cavagni.
we're permitted TO enter the sickroom
This revival was maintained az 4 o'clock.
-rbors vas no recurrence OF the delirium which
snDaared earlier in the day. and the PontifS
talked with lucidity
The bulletin issued by the doctors at p. M
was as follows:
The Pope passed a fairly quiet day. but had
.bart periods OF depression Pulse. $. weak