Brummer, John F., Rome, Italy, to Archbishop John Baptist Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1873 November 5

They concluded their retreat last Saturday and classes resume tomorrow. There will be 30 students this year. Although they may be forced to leave by the government before the year has clapsed, it is believed by many that a change for the better will soon take place. The government has taken possession of a number of religious houses and the monks have been forced to find a home where they could. The Jesuits have been driven out of Gesu, the Roman College and San Andrea on the Quirinal. The Dominicans have been driven from Minerva and the Franciscans out of A_a Coeli and San Francesco a Ripa. Jesuits are forbidded to say Mass, preach, or hear confession in their own churches. The various colleges are now harboring them, and Father Armellini, S.J., is staying with them at the American College. Father Secchi, S.J., and two others, will remain at the Roman College. The Theology classes that were formerly taught in the Roman Colleges will now be held in the German College. The streets of Rome are torn up for the construction of a vault for water pipes. They are trying to mark Rome a modern city. Some of the plans are already in progress and their scope is not in keeping with the depleted state of the treasury. Thus the poor people will have to bear the burden of the improvements. Some of the people are even dying of famine, despite the rich harvest intended by the seizure of ecclesiastical property. The present Mayor of Rome on September 20, ordered the institution for the deaf and dumb children to take part in the celebration in honor of the third anniversary of the taking of Rome. When the religious in charge of the school refused they were dismissed, lay teachers appointed and the children can now be seen marching up and down the streets in time to a drum. The Mayor is a Garibaldian and ordered him hymn played on the day of celebration. The king does not like Rome and has not been there since his visit to Vienna and Berlin. Perhaps his conscience hurts him to live in the Quirinal palace while the venerable old men he offended is enclosed in his own city, the Vatican. The excitement over his visit to Austria and Germany has now died down and no results have yet appeared. The Holy Father is in good health and walks quite lively without the aid of the cane he carries. God is preserving him for better times and for his great triumph. The Pope gives daily audiences to persons of all nations with encouragement for every one. The weather has changed from bright warm days to rain and clouds. The Tiber has overflown but is now within its banks. Considerable damage has been done in Campagna. The rains do not seem to be at an end and a wet and dreary winter is ahead. Father W Menke's death surprised and sorrowed them all, as it must have grieved Purcell. After the loss of Father P Ceyer, Purcell must indeed be sorrowed. Remembering the words of his Rev. Rector, Brummer and the rest shall do their best to try and make up for the loss of these two zealous priests and true friends. Father Silas M. Chatard wishes to be remembered to Purcell as does Father Ubaldi and Mr. Moeller. :: II-5-f A.L.S. 8pp. 12mo.