Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 243, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1914 — CAUSED TOO MUCH TROUBLE [ARTICLE]

CAUSED TOO MUCH TROUBLE

Difficulty That Lay In the Way of Pope’s Following Simple Medical Advice. Pope Pius X was a man of simple habits. One morning his doctor reminded him that a considerable amount of pure water as a drink was beneficial, and the pope there and then rang a bell and asked the prelate in attendance to bring him a glass of water. Fully ten minutes passed before the prelate returned to the library, followed by an attendant and a waiter. The latter carried a silver tray with a glass of water on it. The prelate, the attendant, and the waiter made a deep genuflection when the door was opened. They crossed the room, and made a second genuflection when they were half-way to the pope's chair, and a third when they got near the pope. Then the attendant took the glass off the tray and handed it to the prelate, who knelt down and handed it to the pope. The same ceremony was repeated after the pope had drunk the water. Turning to the doctor, the pope then said: “I wanted to show you how difficult It is for me to get a glass of water, and I hope you will not blame me for neglecting the cure and not drinking more water. 1 hate to disturb three men and make them kneel six times every time I want a drink of water. I tried to get the water myself, but I have been told that, being a sovereign, I must not serve myself.”