The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-04-05
Former Chief Executive De-
nies That He Had Any En-
gagement to Speak Before
Clerical Organization.
WAS FORCED TO MAKE A
Statement OF INCIDENT
RooseveIt's Action in Calling
Off the Proposed Reception
Tomorrow Causes Another
Sensation.
american News service)

american News Service)
Rome, April 5.-Theodore Roosevelt
today issued statement in explana-
tion Of his refusal to visit the vatican
on terms imposed by the Roman
church. denying emphatically that he
had any engagement to speak before
or visit any clerical organization In
Rome, Methodist or otherwise. Roose-
welt was inclined to let the matter
drop, but today's statement was forced
upon him by Cardinal Merry Del Val
placing on him the blame for the en-
tire unpleasant incident. Roosevelt
also requested the cancellation of AM
bassador's Leishman's proposed recep-
tion tomorrow to which representa-
tives of the Catholic college and Meth
odists as well had been issued. This
action by Roosevelt created another
sensation. The cause for cancella-
tion was q statement issued last night
ny DR.. Typple Of the Methodist church
uGr0, III WulSu A0 9tJ0ChO0 SAAO v0sASSAs
Tomorrow's reception was intended to
emphasize religious tolerance and
Typple's statement obviously thwarted
IT. purpose.
Although the Vatican incident here
has had an effect In nearly every coun-
try OF Europe, nowhere 10 that effect OF
greater seriousness than In Rome it.
aelf. The anti-clerical organs today
declare thaf Mr.. Roosevelt's stand has
resulted In tina downfall Of Merry Del
Val, the papal secretary Of state, -
diplomat. And the entire affair has
now become not matter Of religion.
but one OF diplomacy. Az far as Mr..
Roosevelt IL concerned. the incident Is
closed.
Nevertheless, It has had far-reach-
ang and deep effect. and there are
plenty OF indications that that effect
will spread. At the present moment
the Holy See stands in need OF all pos
sible support.
A prominent italian political leader
said today that there could be but one
outcome q far 40 Italy's politics are
concerned. The new cabinet must
adopt an anti-clerical attitude stronger
4han any yet taken by . ministry.
Cardinal Marry del Val is now held
nv the clerical politicians to have made
= grievous blunder In admitting that
he told John Callan O'Loughlin, the
ex-assistant secretary of state. who
was acting a. . friend Of President
Roosevelt, that II the former president
would give his word in secret to de
nothing that would displease the Pope
the audience would be granted.
Theodore Roosevelt. at the time h
was to have been granted an audience
with the Pope today. went drivini
with King Victor Emmanuel. The re
fusal OF the former president to &C
cept the terms upon which he nigh
have visited the vatican is today thu
chief topic not only Of Rome and II
aly. but OF Europe. The affair haI
assumed the importance OF an inter
national political issue. In ever,
country where Catholics form dis
tinct political party. the Roosevelt In
cident IL being used a. capital b.
their opponents.
AZ the same time It threatens t
have Q material effect on the jour
uey OF Mr.. Roosevelt and his family.
Emperor 10 lncensed.
Advices received here today brin
che rumor that Emperor Francis Jos
eph Of Austria Hungary is SO incense
that he has decided to refuse to NEE
the ex-president Il is even rumore
that other Catholic rulers may TAX
similar action. although that Is hare
ly probable.
On the other hand. advices receive
from France make It clear that 80 "a
a. the republic IL concerned. Nj
4 Roosevelt has enhanced the heart
ness OF his reception by his refusal I
comply with the demands Of the vat
can. The long simmering struggle b
tween the clericals and radicals |
France IL about to come to heard
the approaching elections and th
foes Of the church are exploiting tt
Roosevelt incident and holding 1t b,
fore the public AZ an example of Gle
ical intolerance.
In Rome itself the popularity OF Nj
Roosevelt appears to increase as hi
breach with the vatican grows In sil
nificance and importance.
When he awoke today. he foun
crowds before his hotel. In his triT
about the city he was watched. fo
lowed and escorted at all times b
throngs which taxed the ability VI u
police.
He waa whirled to the ouirin,
early IN: the day and after shol
CHIT with the king. they started q
the drive. Although there was
touch Of informality about the excu
n1oa noticeablsl In the friendhness |
vssees Ennana',l 90 -. Roosevelt