THE POPE'S COSTLY DRESS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 261, 28 July 1908, Page 5

THE POPE'S COSTLY DRESS.

It is not generally known that tho Pope's dress costs him £10,000 per annum. As much as many a fashionable woman spends on her clothes, (says the "New York Evening. Post") if recent society statistics .are to bo credited. But the Pope is not a lover of show and extravagance. His tastes are of the simplest, and lie would much rather expend this largo amount on charity. But from time, immemorial tho official wardrobo of the Popes has boon a costly 1 matter. It has been always manufactured in a building near tho Vatican, under the eyes of a papal chamberlain, who looks the precious stones and gold and silver ornaments used on the pontifical robes. There is. a head male tailor, but tho sowjng and embroidery aro done exclusively by' women and girls., As the Pontiff wears only white, constant ronowal of his every-day wardrobo is a matter of necessity. Popo Pius, who hates extravagance, "tries' to mend matters.' wearing black alpaca:sleevo protectors, an invention that fills tho Vatican entourage with horror, yet ho ruins many a whito robe by ink spots and other stains. It is related >that the stato robes and those worn for priestly functions are festooned ' with • furs, lacos, pearls, diamonds,'and other precious stones, and the, chamberlain must givo a minute account of-'.every "jewel every time tho garment is'.delivered to tho palaco or returned for alterations. The chief, .seamstress is accountable for tho laces and furs. Catholic princesses and others tako caro that the Popo. never wants for such. Royal ladios all-over Europe send lace treasures to tho Vatican, so tho collection is equal to tho possession of any, queen in Christendom.