The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-07-03
uon>osidated Aug. Z. 1881.
HOME LIFE OF A CARDINAL.
Something of the Way in Which Car
dinal Gibbons Spends His Days.
From the Morning Star.

is to call On the Cardinal, says a New
York World interviewer. If he has
seen Bulwer's great tragedy, "Riche-
lieu,'' or has read The Queens Neck
lace' or s.The Three Guardsmen," his
mind is filed with visions of pala-
) tial residence, a gilded coach with
prancing steeds, magnificent vest
ments, pompous servants in livery,
tables groan;ng beneath the weight
OF choice viands and rich wines with
OUT which it seems impossible that
a prince Of the Church could main
tain proper dignity. And so he asks
10 be driven to the Cardinals Pal
ace," by which the cabby knows that
his fare is unfamiliar with the city.
Americas Cardinal affects none of
lives in an old-fashioned roomy man
these things. He has no palace but
sion which IS officially known as the
cardinals Residence" and is thus
designated on the Cardinals station
cry. When he drives anywhere 1t IS
in a plebeian cab hired for the occa-
sion. When he goes for a walk, either
for exercise or on business, he goes
alone, his spare form being fanil-
lar one on the streets Of Baltimore.
His attire, except when in the pull
pit, is Of the plainest, differing but
little from that of any other priest
save for the fiat red scarf at his neck,
the zuchetto Of the same hue upon
his head and the amethyst ring upon
the third finger of his right hand,
which are the insignia Of his rank
and which it is his duty to wear at
all times.
He mas no bodyguard, no personal
attendant, no gentleman-in-waiting
While Merry del Val, in Rome, docs
as. the Romans do Cardinal Gibbons,
in Baltimore, so far as outward ap-
pearances go, "does as the Balt1-
moreans do" This much all Balti-
more knows OF him.
Moved by a desire to learn some
thing of that part Of his life which is
hidden from the public view I sought
His Eninence and blunIly asked for
Information upon that point.
Certainly, if yeu desire it. said
he with characteristic generosity, and
then, with equally characteristic rod
esty he added, although / cannot see
in what way my private life can be
Of interest to the public. It is, for
the most part. extremely uneventful,
methodical and regular To this fact
I attribute. the excellent health I am
enjoying at the age of 72. To put II
briefly, I work little, sleep a little,
eat little, walk little, smoke a lit
tie and read a great deal. By the way,
I might add that write a good DEAL
too.
Yes, it is true that am now en-
gagged in the preparation Of another
book-my fourth-but I do not care
at this time to anticipate its publica-
ton by revealing the subject.
.oh, yes, I have my hours OF rest
and recreation and not infrequently
spend an evening at social function
Of some kind and enjoy 1t. For IN
stance, attended, a year ago IN
Washington, one of those famous din
ners given by that aggregation Of 5ol-
" and brainy men, the Gridiron Clup'
and had a splendid time, but for the
most part I find the greatest pleasure
in reading serious. books. If, howev-
or. YOU care to know more about our
going and con1ings you are at perfect
liberty 70 pursue your investigations
The members Of my household Will
I am sure, gladly give you any jnfor-
nation YOU may wish to have.
The big, old-fashioned mansion oc-
cupies almost about two-thiros OF
the block on Charles street between
Mulberry and Franklin, in wh@t was
formerly the most fashionable sec
ton of the Monumental City. Busi-
ness has encroached upon the neigh
porhood. however, crowding the one
time residents into other sections and
leaving the Cardinals home sur
rounded by millinery. tailoring and
other establishments, with here ana
there q boarding mouse.
Extreme simplicity marks the fur
nishings of the entire establishments.
The main hallway is tiled and devolo
of furniture except grandfather
clock and three stright-backed chairs
In the reception rooms the furniture
is extremely plain. No carpets nor
rugs cover the floors.
In the north side Of the main haii'
opposite the Cardinals study, is the
Office of Rev. P. C. Gavan. Chancellor
of the Archdiocese, who, together
with Bishop Curtis, the Vicar Gene
raj: Rev. ". T. Russell, the Cardl-
nails secretary; Rev. William a.
Fletcher. rector Of the parish, and the
Rev. Louis O'Donovan, constitute the
Cardinals Official family and live un-
ded his roof-tree.
The domestic arrangements are in
me hands of three Sisters of Provl-
dence, aided by Nathan. a stalwart