Upon the jubilee of the entrance of Pope Leo XIII into the priesthood, President Cleveland sent felicitations and a handsomely bound copy of the Constitution of the United States. The event, which occurred January 21, 1888, had been brought to the President’s attention by Cardinal Gibbons, and it was through that prelate that the gift was sent. In transmitting it, Cardinal Gibbons wrote:
“It is a tribute paid to Your Holiness by the ruler of sixty million of free men, a ruler elected by them, who feels deeply the supreme responsibility of his exalted station, his dependence upon God’s providence and who has had the wisdom and fortitude to discharge faithfully and conscientiously all the important duties devolving upon him.”
The Pope in responding said:
“As the head of the Church I owe my duty, love and solicitude to every part of the Church, but toward America I bear especial love. The care of your nation is great. Your government is free. Your future full of hope. Your President commands my highest admiration.”
Between the disapproving clergy and the opposing politicians, who classed the gift as a bid for votes, the incident caused wide discussion.
For months stories were current of the abuse of Mrs. Cleveland by her husband. Every little trip was construed into a permanent break, and even Mrs. Folsom’s journeys were charged to trouble in the White House. Both the President and his wife were aware of these tales but ignored them, until, finally, Mrs. Cleveland felt constrained to reply to one letter and permit publication of her statement.
Executive Mansion, Washington,
June 3, 1888.
Mrs. Nicodemus
Dear Madam:
I can only say in answer to your letter that every statement made by the Rev. C. H. Pendleton in the interview which you send me is basely false, and I pity the man of his calling who has been made the tool to give circulation to such wicked heartless lies. I can wish the women of our country no greater blessing than that their lives may be as happy and their husbands as kind, attentive, considerate and affectionate as mine.
Very truly,
Frances F. Cleveland.