The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-04-09
All Churches in Rome VIII
Plea for Recovery.
Condition of POntiff Is Much
Improved Today.
SUFFERS GREAT DEPRESSION
Temperature Is Still Slightly
Above Normal.
Anxiety Is Felt on Account of
Advanced Age.

Rome, April e.-The condition of
the pope was much improved today.
Professor Marchiafava, the vatican
physician, visited the pontiff for over
an hour this morning and found his
fever greatly reduced. His tempera-
| ture also was slightly above the nor
NAL, but he still suffered great de-
preston and weakness
Cardinal Pompili who was made a
new vicar general only a few days
ago, issued orders today for special
prayers for the pope In ali the
| churches of Rome during the next
three days.
Professor Marchiafava's examina-
tlon or the pope this morning was of
minute character. He declared aft
erwaro that there was a noticeable
Improvement in the pontiff's general
condition, but stated that the relapse
he suffered yesterday did not yet ap-
pear to be on the decline
The pope's relapse is causing great
anxiety because it was not expected
and for the further reason that at his
advanced age there is the ever-present
danger of his being unable to with
stand the drain on his strength Dur
ing his recent illness the pope was
much depressed, but as he rerained
his health, this distressing symptom
disappeared. With the return of the
influenza, depression is one of the
symptoms that has again been mani
tested.
Three Thousand on Knees.
Three thousand pilgrims gathered in
Piazza San Pietro in front of the
vatican under the open window of
the pope's apartment and prayed for
his recovery.
thunderstorm Disturbed Him.
A thunderstorm accompanied by a
heavy fall of hail disturbed the none
TINS morning. His nervous system has
become very sensitive since the begin
ming of his illness.
Professor Marchiafava assured the
Associated Press this morning that his
holiness is suffering "onIy from a re-
lapse OF influenza, which like all re-
lapses Is causing certain amount of
anxiety owing to the exalted position
of the patient and his great age
Inc reports as to the pope being
acutely affected with nephritis or in
fiammation of the kidneys, the professor
said, are absolutely unfounded.
Reports Have Been Exaggerated.
What the pontiff needs above all
is rest continued the physician, land
the "a hours he has spent in bed COM
pletely isolated from affairs, has al
ready produced a salutary effect All
the symptoms of dangerous character
which have been mentioned in unauth-
orized reports are either imaginary or
grossly exaggerated. The present con-
dition of the pontiff excludes any dan
ger unless complications should inter-
vene.''
Reports of the popes serious condf-
ton has caused the greatest alarm
here. Hopes are once more being ex-
pressed of the pontiff's ability to
weather even the present crisis, which
is regarded as the most dangerous he
has yet experienced.
Throughout the day the most omin-
GUS secrecy was maintained about the
pontiff's condition and unusual meas
ures were taken to keep out idlers and
curiosity seekers from the vatican
From the bronze doors to the thres-
hold of the papal apartments a num-
ber of extra guards were stationed and
the very few persons admitted to the
precincts were mostly prelates of high
rank or laymen calling on very Inn
portant business.
Rome, April 9.-Pope Plus dozed for
a short time this afternoon. When he
was awake he appeared to feel too
weak to take much notice of those
around him.
He smiled, however, when he was
visited by his sisters and his niece,
who sat quietly in the room for some
time without disturbing him.
Temperature Is Rising.
The temperature of the pope rose
slightly at 3 o'clock this afternoon,
reaching SO degrees.
The official Vatican newspaper, the
Osservatore Romanou1, says in it's
evening edition today: I'VE are glad
to be able to give the assurance that
after his relapse on Monday evening
the condition of the pope is constant
ly and notably ameliorating."
Suffering From Thirst.
Although official reports state that
the amelioration in the condition of
the pope continues, 1T is reported in
other quarters that the pontiff is suf-
fering from difficulty of respiration,
thirst and prostration. Everything is
being prepared at the vatican to give
the pope a long period of rest. All
have been suspended dur
ing this month, and the American pill
which left New York April
will not be received by his holiness.
Several cardinals, including Ram
polla. wives Tuto de Lai, Martinelli.
Falconio, Bisleti and Agliardi, called
personally at the vatican this morn
ing to inquire about the pope's health.
They were not allowed to see the
patient
The callers were informed by Car
dinal Merry del Val that an improve
ment had taken place in the pope's
condition and that there was no real
cause for alarm.
Reports in London.
L-ndon, April "a Central News
dispatch from Rome says the pope
suffered from a fainting fit lasting
two hours this afternoon and it was
in the lobbies of the Italian
chamber of deputies that the pontiff
was in extremis.
Professor MarchiafaVa, however.
continues to assert that the pope is no
for anxiety