The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1908-04-04

and women of refinement and culti-
vation, so he is a member of the true
society of Baltimore where birth and
breeding count before wealth. Quite
frequently he has the place of honor
at the dinner table or even the we'd
ding breakfast. He is ever ready to
unite sons and daughters of the church
in matrimony if time permits, and in
some instances he has joined i'll we'd
lock sons and daughters of parents
whom he also married years ago,
when priest. In society he might
be called ''James Gibbons, Gentle
man," for he very naturally assumes
the title, being an excellent conver-
sationalist, while his manner has the
polish of the diplomat, added to the
dignity of his high position.
Yet the Cardinal is truly toiler.
Were it not for his regular habits, his
simple life, and the long walks he
takes, he would doubtless break down
under the stress of labor he personally
performs. Not only does he compose
ard preach sermon monthly in the
old Cathedral, but much of his corre-
spondence he personally answers,
while he finds time now and then to
give his views on topics of the day
possibly for some periodical. So, the
place he calls home is merely house
for eating and sleeping and perform
ing the daily tasks he has imposed on
himself. Though he has the able as
sistance of his chancellor, Father
Gavin, and of two other priests, who
are included in his household, it may
be said that he Is busy man in every
sense of the word.
In the Episcopal residence, with
the rest of the world shut out, the
Cardinal is the representative of the
church in truth, yet the absence of
pomp and state surprises the visitor
familiar with the mode of life of the
European, even the Canadian pre-
lates. The apostle of the Simple
Life" can find nothing to criticise
here. The best apartments are de-
voted to the guests-nearly all of
those on the first floor are reception
rooms for the many callers. His
"home' is on the upper floor. Here
is the room where he seeks his indoor
enjoyment-his library, nis study and
his sleeping chamber. The study,
bright bay window room into which
the morning sun shines, can be easily
discerned in the illustration. 1t is
the busiest corner of a busy place
where the Cardinal attends to his
large correspondence. Following
morning devotions breakfast is serv-
ed, then an hour or so is given to the
morning mail. An hour before noon
visitors usually find him at home, but
before he descends to the guests
floor" score may be In waiting.
Then is displayed his keen insight
into human nature. With a firm
grip Of the hand and hs looks you STRAIGHT
gaze, and by the time you have an
nounced your mission, he has judged
its Importance and give time for an
audience accordingly. A Sister has
called to ask his advice about some
orphan girl. His ear is open to hear
the whole story and he manifests deep
interests in the tale. Others are So
cial callers who receive few pleas
ant words, then good morning."
There are those in sorrow who come
for comfort and receive it.
But not all requests are granted.
Many time has he been beseeched
to sanction the marriage of divorced
person, but is ever firm in his refu-
sal. To all such petitions he is truly
inexorable, and then is shown the
determination which is among his
characteristics.
Fastening from room to room he
thus receives all who have been ad-
mitted, and the ceremony of admit
tance is very simple. There is no
uniformed guard, not even servant
| in livery, at the entrance. A boy
opens the door in response to the
pressure of the electric button, and
taking your card, seats you in one OF
the reception rooms. Plainly fur
uished, with no adornment save an
occasional portrait in oil Of some dig
nifty of the church, the uncarpeted
floors of the apartment are merely
polished, and it must be said that the
upholstered chairs have sadly faded.
The surroundings are anything but
palatial or luxurious, and so it is
elsewhere in the gray old building,
for the few priests who form the Car
dinal's family live as unpretentiously
as the head of this interesting house.
hold.
Business hours at the Episcopal
residence often extend far into the
afternoon before the Cardinal has an
opportunity to indulge in his favorite
exercise, sometimes alone, sometimes
with priest of the house or a lay
| friend. Covering the ground with a
| long swinging stride, he may walk
far into the suburbs before returning
for the evening meal. During the
stroll, if he SO fancies, he plays the
part of the listener, merely putting il
a question here and there to draw out
his companion but if inclined to talk
he is extremely entertaining. His
voice, which is usually clear, has not
thus far been affected by age. He is
conversant with the conditions of la
Dor and capital, the most modern dis
coveries in science and mechanical
inventions, and is thoroughly inform
ed on politics but if he has a fond
ness for any special department OF
thought, it is literature. 1t is neces-
sary to refer to such works as THE
Faith of Our Fathers" "The Am
bassador of Christ" and "Our Chris
tian Heritage" which have been
published in several languages. The
first of these books has had a larger
circulation than any other relative to
| O..L.i:1;-., Hic I11oOazine articles