The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-04-16
Condition of the POntiff
Now One of Deepest
Concern
DARKEST REPORTS
OF CONDITION MADE
Reported That Agnostine Pefferi Has
Been Ordered to Be i'm Readiness
to Bring to Patient Last
Communion

Rome, April 15.-Once again there has
the condition of Pope Plus X. 1t is
changes such as this that have repeatedly
transformed the feeling of optimism re-
garding the pope's recovery into one If
grave anxiety. in the knowledge that
each recurrence withdraws something
from the vital forces of the holy father.
Notwithstanding the reassurances Of
Professor Marehiafava, a careful watch
doubt that the satisfactory general con-
dition" of the pontiff, as reported by the
doctors, is borne out by the facts.
The temperature of the pope, which
throughout almost the whole day re-
mained at 81 degrees, in itself Indicating
depression and weakness. rose in the earl.
evening to 100 and later 10 1o2
The bronchial symptoms, which at the
morning examination We're found to be
diminished, presented new and grave
features this evening. sThe affected zone
on the left side of the chest was further
congested, with a possible area of con-
sclidation, one of the signs OF pneumonia,
anu tHt SOuliuS Wllfl1n the DIDncn1al tubes
were more pronounced.
Special Examination
The attending physicians ordered a spe-
cial meteorological examination of the
sputum to ascertain whether it contained
infectious material and the nature of the
detritus that threatens to block up the
lungs
The darkest reports are being circulated,
one being that the pope is at the point
of death and that Father Agostine Pif-
feri, an Augustinian monk, has been or
dered to he in readiness to bring TO the
patient the last communion, this being
the prerogative of his office
This appears to be an exaggeration os
the situation, although undoubtedly the
pope's condition is much worse. as he did
not take sufficient rest today and over
exerted himself, as he had done on pre-
vious occasions This resulted in gener-
al prostration, elevation of the tenpera-
ture aad inability to retain roin.ishrnent
even the very lightest nutrinent.
The arrival in Rome tonight of Angelo
Sarto. the pope's brother, was Interpreted
in some quarters as a certain sign that
all hope had been abandoned IT was
forgotten that Angelo Sarto left his own
village on his journey to the Holy City
long before the present setback of the
patient occurFed-in fact, when the con-
Angelo was received with open arms
by his sisters, who seem to think that
the more the pope is surrounded by mem
bers of his family the easier 1t will be to
save him.
Renews Assurances
Professor Marchiafavas visit to the
sick room tonight lasted 40 minutes. When
he left the vatican he was besieged for
details. as the aggravation of the pope's
f1ta al. l..
newed his assurances that the situation
was not grave
This statement being received with in
ereduity the physician remarked that If
there were any real danger he would have
remained at the vatican or would go
there during the night, which he did not
intend to do. Still unconvinced the COR
respondents arranged to watch his house
to ascertain whether he returned to the
vatican before morning
The Spanish ambassador today visited
Cardinal Merry Del Val, the papal secre-
tary of state and inquired regarding the
progress of the pope in the name of King
Alfonso. At the same time he said he
had been delegated to express the feelings
of the Spanish royal family for the kind
thoughtfulness of the holy father, who,
while i'll and while the whole world was
trembling for his health, had sent his
congratulations to the King for his es-
cape in the recent attempt against his
life.
Doctors Marchafava and Amci issued
the following bulletin this evening:
''The pope's temperature tonight is
above 100 degrees. The bronchial affec-
tion is~somewhat worse. The good gem
eral condition Of the patient continues
DR.. Amic remained in the sick room
until midnight. He made hourly note of
the symptoms which We're communicated
by telephone to DR.. Marchiafava Both
agreed that the condition of the pope was
practically stationary.
Toward midnight the pope fell into a
doze and shortly DR.. Amici retired to the
ante chamber. The popes sisters left the
vatican, but his nephew, Father Paroln,
remained, spending most of the time on
watch near the pontiffs side. Owing to
the increase in the temperature and a
frequent irregular pulse, the pope gave
signs of considerable restlessness and at
times again experienced difficulty in
breathing.
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