THE SICK MAN IN THE VATICAN.
"It is stated that Victor Emmanuel sent General Pralormo to the Vatican on New Year's Day to wish the Pope the compliments of the season on behalf of His Majesty. On arriving there, he was informed by Cardinal Antonelli that the Holy Father was indisposed, and could not, therefore, receive him personally. The Cardinal undertook to deliver the compliments of the King, and the General left. A few hours after, the Pope was completely recovered, and held his usual receptions."
The faithful should congratulate the Pope upon his rapid, almost miraculous recovery. From the moment the wicked King's emissary was out of the precincts of the Vatican, the symptoms became more favourable, and the Court physicians were released from their attendance. We notice, only to dismiss it with scorn, an impression which appears to exist that the Holy Father was "indisposed," in the primary sense of the word, as worldly sovereigns have been before now; for it is not for an instant to be supposed that a Cardinal would put forth, and a Pope sanction, any excuse which was not in accordance with the strictest truth.