Year: 1871

ROME, March 8, 1871.


This morning went to the Vatican and had
an interview with Cardinal Antonelli. Our
conversation lasted half an hour, and his
Eminence was very cordial throughout. He
worth more than one with his Holiness Plus
TX. One thing struck me as soon as |
alighted from the carriage and found myself
within the holy precincts of the palace: it
was the very different aspect Of men and
things from that worn there when had
similar interview some nine months ago. 1
did not expect to view such a marked con-
trast-one just as strong as that have OBJ
served in the city of Rome ITSELF On enter
ing one beholds slipshod appearance every
where, in the courtyard, up the noble fight
of stairs, even in the ante-rooms of the
"Secretaryship of State" The Swiss sentries
seem either to be impatient about
their functions or bewildered about their
own existence; the very ushers look
utterly Indifferent as to who comes or
does not come and twirl between their fingers
the visiting cards presented to them, as though
visitors could be Of little avail at the Vatican
now, profitless to the Cardinal, the Pope and
the Holy See. One is made to feel sensibly
the difference between an audience with the
mighty man last year, then ruler and with
the airs and surroundings of ruler, and the
powerless 'prisoner' of to-day, who cannot
80 mucn as touch q hair on the heads of his
late subjects-a potent fact known to himself
and to them, and who is to be encountered
now apparently brooding over the momentous
changes Of the last year, as quiet as cat in
corner.


THE CARDINAL


may still be himself, but that he is at present
under cloud is proved by the fact that no
longer are to be met in his ante-chambers
awaiting his nod and beck those personages
of the higher sort, such as diplomatists, great
ladies and fine gentlemen, who coveted an
entry into his sanctum this time last year. The
attendants now being of more common hue,
l did not have to wait long before being in
vited into his presence.


Not a year has elapsed, yet he offers much
more of reduction or contraction, so to speak,
in personal appearance, than that period of
age should naturally have produced in him.
With gold spectacles on his nose, he sits
peering over a letter which he holds in his
hand, and does no. rise with the elastic
courtesy displayed when saw him last. He
puts on smile for the occasion, and draws
himself within himself for talk. Notwith-
standing all the attacks and insults of the mob
and the new penny press (now engaged in pub
fishing a scandalous biography of him, which
they deal out in broken doses every morning.
he shows none the less the marks of intellect
and composed bearing. His plain, dark gown
and skul-cap, his somewhat worn look, and
quiet, passive attitude of contraction, as if he
were waiting for something or somebody,
change considerably the Secretary of State
from what saw him last year-these are the
first striking points. Then his tone is differ
ent-he is neither patronizing nor inquistive,
only appearing Indifferent. He may be await
ing or not but one is sure, in glancing at him,
thus seated, that he is on the Qui oioe, and
that nothing will be allowed to escape his
watch at the proper moment. If persevering
acuteness could restore the temporal power of
his Holiness Cardinal Antoneli would be the
man for the business. He showed some
curiosity in talking about the war, and warmed
up little when we struck the quick of the
situation at Rome. He goes out of the Vati-
can rarely, and, if it were not for the protec-
ton afforded by the picket of Italian soldiers
and gendarmes at the entry of the palace,
under the colonnade, there is no doubt that his


MANY PERSONAL ENEMIES IN THE CITY,
aggrieved by the measures of his late govern
ment and newly stirred up by the publication
Of the biography aforesaid, would endeavor to
strike at him for vengeance. The stationing
Of this picket Of the national forces there is
not devoid of farcical tinge to one on the
spot, who may be cognzant Of the friendly
feelings existing between them and the Swiss
sentries only six yards of, guarding and peer
ing through the great portals of the palace at
visitors to ask if they are 'all right" If
Prime Minister John LAMA, from Florence,
was to present himself, the Swiss would refuse
him admttance-it is so ordered. Whenever
the Swiss cannot keep back importunate
callers the gendarmes and ex-Papal officers
who fill the Vatican courtyard are called into


- ~xsxS~&
requisition. As passed saw a good many
of these on duty, but there are assuredly not
enough Of them to muster for holy crusade,
as the Italian press asserts every hour in the