The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-07-09

day, died early this morning, SnoTtiy
after all hope of saving his life had been
abandoned. Although the condition of
the pope is still the center of interest,
the case of Mgr. Volponi has attracted
much attention. not only because or his
office of secretary of the cOnSistorial
congregation. to which ne had just been
appointed by Pope Leo, but also on ac-
count of the manner in which he was
seized by his fatal illness; and it Is
hardly possible to describe the sensation
and emotion which prevailed at the
vatican when his death was announced.
From the moment he was stricken
and fell to the floor Mgr. Volponi lost
entirely the power of speech and the
use of the entire right side of his body,
and he was apparently unconscious
when he died.
1t has been ascertained that the cause
of death was cerebral congestion.
Great care has been taken to keep the
news of Mgr Volponfs illness and
death from the pope
It will be impossible to keep the news
of the death of Mgr. Volponi from the
pope. as the office of secretary of the
consistorial congregation to which Pope
Leo appointed the deceased prelate July
3, the last appointment made by his
holiness, must be filed without delay
in view of the possibility of a papaf in
terregnum as it is known that at the
moment the pope dies the secretary of
state ceases to exercise his functions,
which pass to the hands of the secretary
OF the tOnSlSlOTldi congregation, whose
career is from that time assured, as,
according to custom. he is the first car
dinal to be appointed by the new pope.
The sarcastic humor of the Romans
reveals itself even at this solemn and
sad moment. The remark has been
heard that Pope Leo, not satisfied with
having killed all the cardinals created
by his predecessor, except Cardinal
Oreglia and over one hundred of those
created by himself, now begins to kill
those to be created by his successor.
SAYS HE LOVES AMERICANS.
Rome. July BY special favor, the
correspondent of the Associated Press
here was allowed this morning to visit
the papal apartment where he had an
interview on the situation with a per-
sonage who is better informed than any
one else. but who, from motives easily
understood. does not wish his name
mentioned. He said:
The first positive sign of aameliora-
ton in the pope's condition since he was
taken i'll was seen this morning. The
august patient rested we'll enough dur
ing a great part of the night 1t was
not the sleep of prostration or collapse
but peaceful and natural, so much
that the benefit is kuite visible this
morning.
normal for the pontiff, considering his
age and present condition. What is i'm
portant is that his temperature never
rose above normal and never even ap-
slight coughs and his kidneys are still
deranged but the secretion of urine, al
though very scarce, is somewhat aug
mented, which proves that his heart is
stronger and his circulation better, as
demonstrated by the complete disap-
pearance of cynosis, so that his hands
have again taken their natural almost
diaphanous aspect.
DR.. Lapponi, this morning, informed
the prelates who were waiting in the
ante-chamber that he had examined the
matter which the pope had expectorated
through coughing and he said he was
able to confirm his diagnosis, having
found traces of blood. clearly demon
strating the existence of pneumonia
Eevery one noticed that while in the
past DR.. LappOni never participated in
the rejoicing and enthusiasm over the
announced or imaginary amelioration in
the pope's condition, remaining always
extremely reserved and anxious looking
this morning. for the first time. Dr.Lap-
poni's face was tranquil and even hope
full looking. though it was said that he
was very far from believing in a real
definite and lasting amelioration which
would lead to the pontif's recovery.
Pope Leo himself noticed at once on
waking this morning that he was much
refreshed and stronger and he said with
his usual energy that he wanted to re-
sumo his ordinary life. He insisted on
dressing himself almost entirely and on
afterwards walking to his usual arm
chair. where he sat down. and for the
first time since he became i'll, went
through his complete toilet arrange
ments. He was not satisfied until he
had been shaved, his beard having
grown quite long during his sickness,
after which, feeling his chin with his
hand. he manifested great pleasure.
AS the pope is much touched by the
evidences of sympathy coming to him
from all parts of the world, DR.. Lap
poni showed him some of the kilograms
which had reached him as the pope's
physician, including the following mes
sage fran the Rev. Father Cleary,
which was sent from Erie, Pa:
Before he dies I wish to see the
world at peace. God bless him. Do not
give him up. The world needs him.
The pontiff was much satisfied. He
said:
" The Americans have always shown
me more affection than any other peo-
/ pie l low them.
when this incident became known
to the prelates in the ante-chamber. one
of them exclaimed: If the pope lives
here is an American priest who will not
be forgotten. He will be made a
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