The Elbert County tribune., 1908-06-04


occasion of splendid ceremonies in St Peters. but
that largest Christian church earth easily holds
some 10000 people at once, and crowd of that size
would be practically uncomfortable in case of any sud
of violence the services not held there
all. inside the Vatican palace. where attendance
necessarily limited, that cards of admission could
be given with much strict knowledge to who
would them.
The precautions seemed to optimistic people quite
needless but events reported within that week seemed
show that they merely prudent The annver
sary of the execution of Giorando Bruno Che was put to
death in in 1000 for teaching unorthodox vews),
made the occasion of mpassoned speeches by
calst and revolutionary orators in the where the
execution took place 1t is mile from the
Vatican, but Italians know Italians pretty well. the
took chances of letting excited throng
towards the papal palace; troops sta
toned at various points to head of any attempt at in
cendiary demonstrations in that line and at the Vatican
itself extra guards were detailed for duty
The itself, greatest palace n world,
has in times its share exciting experiences
but it is actually likely that it will any of
the tragic sort American tourists in Rome have
had pointed to them long, passage
way, sort of walled bridge leading crookedy down
from the papal palace to the ancient fortress by the
Tiber known Castle Angelo In the middle
when the popes took hand in European politics,
than one of St Peters Wears found that long pro
tected useful path the safe shelter
citadel But to-day all is different Nobody toutsde half
civilized Russia) dreams of killing of heretics. And
on the other hand the longer controls European
politics 1t would be only stupid piece of brutality for
any fanatic to attempt personal violence against
present head of the Catholic church.
All the since good way avoid trouble
is to be prepared trouble papal household in
the vatican is admirably organized for the security of
the great palace and its and its occupants
And. AS at least in ten of all the people of the
United States sends money every year to the Vatican
(not directly but through church offerings, of
interest to know something about the maintenance the
vast establishment out there the western limits of
the historic city of Rome.
As people know, the palace is actually not one
building but huge, rambling group buildings The
adjoining park is surrounded by high wall which
upon time formed part of system of Notifications
but which at merely looks imposing 1t could
fact be demolished without the slightest difficulty
body of men wanted to make trouble.
Outside the main entrance to the palace St
square few Italian policemen-ordin
great display of protection but just enough remind
the passerby that the spot has special importance
curiously enough those Roman policemen practically
not part of the kingdom of Italy at all, but
the separate sovereignty of the Inside the Vatican
doorway. the king of Italy has technically
thority than Kaiser Wilhelm the president
United States. authority at all On the threshold
in spacious corridor beyond always
certain defenders of the palace household the
Swiss guards They gayly clad-ndeed their appear
suggests pageant rather than battlefield it
would not be safe TO infer that they stage
supernumeraries They have traditions of herosm
to live In 1927 band of just such guards wearing
Just such oggery held their ground for six