New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-04-13
Physicians plain Talk.

Physicians plain Talk.
When Professor Marchiafava left the
bedroom of the Pope he had a 'ong
conversation with the Papal Secretary
of state. Cardinal Merry del Val, the
physician plainly saying that he would
not take upon himself responsibility for
the treatment Of the Pope unless he
was certain that his orders would he
carried out. The doctors principal re
quest was that the patient shall alb
stain from any physical or mental OK
crtion. not only for a few days but tor
a long period.
Although the general public was
shocked to hear that Pope Plus had
suffered a new relapse. il cannot be
said that this turn for the worse
caused much surprise, as His Holiness
was allowed too soon to do things
which would have tried the constitu-
ton Of a much younger man.
1t must be remembered that the
Pope. after having been IN during the
whole Of last month, suffered a re-
lapse on Monday with the gravest
symptoms 1t was then said that only
a miracle could save him. The mira
Gle evidently occurred, as two days
q later the fever stopped. all traces Of
the condition of albuminuria, which
usually accompanies influenza, went,
and all other dangerous symptoms
disappeared.
Notwithstanding this. Professor Eft
tore Marchifava, the Pope's chief
physician, was not deceived. He con-
stantly repeated to the Vatican at
tendants that the Holy Father could
only live by following the strictest
regimen. consisting Of taking extreme
care and having constant rest.
Received Four Bishops.
Instead of adhering to the physicians
advice the Pontiff was allowed to rise
from his bed and even TO leave the bed
room, thus exposing himself TO a
change of temperature. Besides this he
received four bishops yesterday morn
The Pontiff, who had been allowed to
read for a certain time each day, spent
some time Yesterday afternoon with his
niece reading and answering a letter
from his brother. Angelo. who was pre-
vented coming to Rome by his gradual
ly declining health.
The Pope was heard to say angelo"
(who is a country postman) els as OBJ
stinate as a mule. Why will he not give
up work and come here? He is an old
man now''-quite ignoring the fact that
there are only few years between
them.
Pilgrims to Pray for Him.
About the time the relapse occurred
nearly one thousand pilgrims from the
diocese of Treviso, led by their bishop.
were received. like those Of yesterday,
by the Papal Secretary of State. Bishop
Longhin, in presenting the pilgrims,
said that they were grieved that their
most ardent desire and the chief OBJ
ject Of their pilgrimage-to see the
. Holy Father-was impossible. He
begged Cardinal Merry del Val to tell
the Pope that seventy priests and nine
hundred children OF the Treviso church
in all the days Of their sojourn in Rome
had constantly prayed God Ito pre-
serve our dear father for many years
to the glory of the Church and the af-
lection Of the Catholic world"
The Cardinal answered, recalling that
in the books OF the Apostles 1t is said
that the followers Of Saint Peter, when
unable TO reach his person. must be
satisfied with his shadow. He added
ALLOW me for the moment to con-
slider myself the shadow of the Pope,
and tell you in his name how tenderly
he loves you and your families and
wishes you all spiritual good"
He urged the pilgrims fervently to
pray for the recovery Of the Pope in
order that he may return TO work for
the good Of the Church and the people