Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-05
food himself, keeping many a poor family

food himself, keeping many a poor family
from starvation.
In 1857 he was at last appointed parish
promotion, being a village of 8.841 souls.
Sarto was exceedingly sorry to leave Tom
bolo, having become attached to the people.
The peasants when he left made most
enthusiastic demonstration, crying viva
Don Giuseppe" while the women whose
children he had petted wept.
He distinguished himself so much at Sal
zano that he was kept there only two
years, which Is remarkable in the career of
an Italian parish priest. In 1875 he was
elected chancellor of the bshopric of IRE
viso, then spiritual director Of that semi
nary. Judge Of the ecclesiastical tribunal
and finally vicar general.
Pope Leo, who had highly appreciated his
cleverness piety and modesty, appointed
him in November, 1884. at the age of forty
nine years, bishop of Mantua, where he re-
manned nine years, until 1893 when he was
made cardinal and appointed patriarch OF
Venice. In the queen city of the Adriatic
he distinguished himself as thorough re-
former, suppressing all abuses restoring
ness of religion. To him is due the revival
of the Gregorian chant in the beautiful
churches overlooking the lagoons and the
strict return to liturgic rules.
The Idol Of His Flock.
Sarto soon became the idol of the Vene-
tians. When his gondola passed along the
canals the people rushed to the bridges ana
along the sides of the canals, kneeilng ana
saluting; the women exclaiming: GOD bless
the patriarch! In those days the patriarch
would say that he did not like to go out OF
sight of the lions of st. Marks. which now
he will never see again, If. as Is almost
sure, he follows the rule inaugurated by
his two predecessors-never to leave the
Vatican. In the few times in which he
went to Rome. on returning, when asked
If he enjoyed the gorgeousness of the papal
court and the magnificence OF the functions,
he answered.:
when am there feel IKE fish out of
water.
The pope has very modest tastes, having
retained almost the same habits as when
he was a mere curate at Salzano. He Is
severe, but was just with his clergy. There
is nothing he disikes SO much as publicity.
He detests the praise and compliments OF
courtiers. Frankness is another of his
principal qualities. although he is somewhat
timid. AS the Italians say. he has no harm
on his tongue or pen.
Although at first received coldly by the
liberal Venetians, his affable manners soon
made him many friends, and the official
visit he paid to the king and queen, con-
trary to instructions received from Rome
made him the idolof the population and
most welcome visitor in the homes OF the
patricians. His favorite diversion was that
of taking excursions in his gondola along
the shore and landing at some point on the
coast to pay surprise visits to the priests
of his jurisdiction.
Walked on the Shore.
At o'clock every morning the patriarch
was in the habit of going out for a long
walk. usually to the sandy islands Of Lido,
which separate the lagoons of Venice from
the Adriatc sea. as he loved exercise and
the country. He went often to his native
village of Reese where he helped his many
poor relatives.
The relations of sarto with the house of
Savoy are well illustrated by what occurred
two months ago, when the King of Italy
went to Venice to open the international
art exhibition King Victor Emmanuel
gave orders that the patriarch have prece-
dence over all the local authorities, but
Sarto having arrived while the king was
speaking to the project. who Is the highest
government official in the province. he re-
fused to be announced, and said that he
would not disturb his majesty. He remain
ed in an ante-chamber conversing with the
generals and admirals gathered there.
When the king learned OF his presence he
came to receive him on the threshold of
the chamber, and kept him in CONVERSE
ton, accompanying him afterward in a
gondola, while all the soldiers rendered
military honors to the ecclesiastic.
He Always Succeeds.
1t was recently said of him that none
knew his attitude political questions,
but that the people of Venice knew that if
there was sickness or suffering in the city
he was sure to be found ministering to the
afflicted with his own hands. They also
know that he is a man of great learning,
preacher of great sermons, writer of good
books. They also know that when Cardinal
Sarto undertook work-the building of
church or the r.ghting Of a wrong-he never
stopped till his efforts met success.
Those who know these things look for
ward to a pontif1cate that will not only
continue the excellent work of Leo XIII,
but will achieve especial success from
the individual ability of the pope. One of
the early results of the new regime looked
for is the recognition, as never before, of
men who have shown themselves good and
jealous parish priests.
Discovered Perosi.
1t was soon after his elevation to the
cardinalate that Sarto discovered the musi-
cal talents of the now celebrated maestro,
Father Lorenzo Perosi, whom he appointed
head of the choir of st. Marks and whom
Pope Leo called to Rome and placed at
the head of the Sistine Chapel.
Early in April Pope Leo in a conversation
with Father Perosi said, in speaking of
Cardinal Sarto:
Hold him very dear, Perosi as in the
future he will be able to do much for you.
We firmly believe he will be our sue
cessor.
Pope Plus is in robust health and is most
active despite his sixty eight years. He be-
longs to the ecclesiastical congregation of
Bishops and Regulars. Sacred Rites. In
dulgences and Sacred Relics. He has been
known for many years as one of the great
est preachers in the church.
INTERESTED IN AMERICA.