Evening star., 1911-08-13
POPE SLOWLY GAINS
Physicians, However, Still
Keep Close Watch.
EQUITY PAINS DECREASE
Ordered to Keep to Room, Pontiff
Occasionally Sits Up.
TAKES MORE NOURISHMENT
equity PAINS DECREASE
TAKES MORE N0URISHMENT

ROME August 1.-THE feeling OF ex-
treme pessimism that prevailed with the
masses until Thursday concerning the
health of Pope Plus has now given way
to one of great optimism.
Up to Thursday, when a change for the
better was noticed, there were those who
believed the end was approaching. Today
the same people are responsible for re-
ports in circulation that the pontiff Is
almost well-that he is walking about his
room, and even working.
These reports are absurd. The truth
is that while the improvement has been
steady, it also has been slow. and the tenn
perature of the patient still remains slightly
above normal The violence Of the pains
pains are still troublesome and. while
less than during the earlier part Of the
week, it still is of such proportions as to
prevent the normal use of the leg.
Above all, however, the weakness of the
pontiff and the depression that has fallen
upon him are far from having been over
come. and. in the opinion of the physi-
clans, remain the greatest drawback to
his ultimate recovery.
Not Yet convalescent.
If all goes well. the doctors say, and
especially IL the weather remains cool,
two weeks must elapse before the pontiff
enters into a period Of convalescence If
there should be a return of the excessive
heat serious fears are entertained of a
relapse. The physicians orders are that
the patient remain within his chamber
practically upon his bed. That he is per-
mitted now and then to sit In his arm
pI, to l., Iorn ~ 6nrfr E41so <I,~
restlessness which is caused by the pom
tiff being compelled to lie for hours in one
position.
To the physicians the respiratory or
gans of the Pope are another possible
source of danger. His present illness
started with an attack of laryngitis,
which also affected the trachea. In addi-
ton, his holiness for years has suffered
from a species of chronic catarrh, which
he has neglected to treat. Indeed. SO lit
ing urged to do something to effect cure
he jestingly replied: ''Why, have had it
SO long that should not know what to
do without II.
Temperature Still High.
Today Drs, Petacci and Marchiafava
reported that the general condition Of
their patient was relatively satisfac-
tory While the temperature still was
slightly above normal and the depression
continued, g. favorable symptom in their
opinion was that the pontin was able to
take more nOurishment During the day
he ate the yolks of three eggs and two
bowls of chicken broth, and drank pint
Of sterilized milk. His holiness remained
In bed. saying his leg was much easier.
He seemed stronger than yesterday and
suffered less pain. During the afternoon
he had a long conversat on with Cardi-
nal Merry del Val. the papal secretary of
state, whom he urged to go to his sum-
mer home, saying that he felt sure he
would recover.
The work Of remodeling the Pope's old
apartment is still proceeding. In ad-
dition to pulling down an Intervening
wall and making q larger room. it has
been decided to entirely renovate it by
replacing the floor, ceiling and furnish
ings. The idea is to give his holiness an
entirely new and hygienic apartment. II
will not be ready. however. until winter.
as it is desired to have the new ceiling
entirely dry before the Pope occupies the