Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-04-16
Special Correspondence of The Sunday Star.


ROME, April 5, 1905
Much has been said about the absurdity
of calling Plus x a prisoner. Materially,
Of course. he is not; but morally he is as
much SO as any poor wretch shut In 4
cell. Papa Sarto." as he is Familiarity call
ed, entered the Vatican pontiff with
great reluctance. From certain phrases
which he has lately let fall. he must have
had premonition of wha. was before him.
While considered infallible by all good sons
of the church, in reality he is governed by
a force. all the more potent because in
tangible, and all the more heavy because
opposed to the deep sentiments of his ma
ture.
When patriarch, Cardinal Sarto went to
the Vatican as seldom was compatibe
with his position, and when there rendered
himself as colorless possible. He was
thus considered a thoroughly pious, ca
pable man by Leo KILL and decidedly
negative quantity by the papal encourage.
Then came the day in which he entered the
apostolic palace never to leave it again
alive.
Plus x would have liked to speak boldly
of the relations between church and state
in the audience he gave at the beginning of
January to the Duke of Genoa, brother of
Queen Margherita, and to his wife, but he
was not allowed. OF course, no one can
forbid the pope but he knew well as
his encourage that If he followed his own
course. and did not practically promise to
do nothing of the kind, means, apparently
natural but in reality full of art, would be
found to prevent the meeting.
Outside of these contretempS or state, the
pope is no better off in his private relations.
There is always the pretty story of his
three devoted sisters, who have followed
i'm tn and content to give up
home and friends for his sake.
Day by day the three poor old sisters of
the pope find 1t more and more difficult to
see their brother Familiarity and alone, and
although he is always his kindly and af-
fectionate self their timidity with regard
to the atmosphere of the apostolic palace
is increasing instead of diminishing.
Arguing from human nature and the char
acters of these particular ladies, 1t is sup
posed that all the ceremony and gorgeous
ness of the Vatican, the guards and red
tape necessary to penetrate to the papal
apartment, will, if not confuse. at least not
be agreeable to those accustomed to SIM
plcty and sincerity. Thus elaborate for
malities have been introduced which must
be observed every time they go to the
Vatican. First of ALL Monsignor Bsleti, the
master of the chamberlain a future cardi-
nails advised. He usually objects saying
that the holy father is much engaged. Then,
when another hour is suggested. he gives a
reluctant consent, and when they do ac-
tually arrive at the papal door it is to find
either that audience is taking place or
that the pontff is really engaged. If they
stick it out perhaps they may wait an hour,
perhaps two. When the appointment Is
made they go to the palace to be met with
overpowering courtesy-bows here, present
ing of arms there, more or less stoppages
that some one may kiss their hands. ira
versing of huge rooms where servants bow
to the ground-untl, when 1T is over and
they see the land of promise, their cheeks
are scarlet, their wits confused, and one
sentiment only remains-that they will
never come again. Complaint is useless.
Have they not been treated with all cour-
tesy? And is it not true that Plus Y Is