STOLEN COPE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12740, 17 December 1904, Page 2 (Supplement)

STOLEN COPE.

■:;-i . —»&» ____■.' THEFT COST A LIFE. New York, November 3.—Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan lias presented the cope stolen from the Ascoli Cathedral to the Italian Government. • • ':-.;■ • • The famous cope of gold thread and brocade was stolen two years ago, and was only quit* recently recognised as the one which Mr. Morgan lent to the South Kensington Museum. This magnificent vestment was embroidered towards the end of the thirteenth century, with figures of the Virgin and Child, the Crucifixion, the'■; head of Christ, the crucifixion of St. Peter,, and numerous figures of early Popes. It was presented to the Ascoli Cathedral 600 vears ago by Pope Nicholas IV., and in such veneration is it held that when one of the thieves who bad'stolen it in.1902 learned what the vestment was he committed suicide in prison, overwhelmed by the -'enormity, of his offence. A parish priest living near Aseoli was arrested some weeks ago on suspicion of having been implicated ihthe- theft of the cope., The sacristan of the cathedral declared that he was made drunk by a stranger, who induced him to visit a neighbouring wine shop. Upon his return to the cathedral he was so drunk that he could not makes his bed. The cope was. probably stolen during his absence. It- was kept in a glass case in the sacristy, and the thieves were evidently familiar with the plan of the cathedral and the habits of the clergy. Mr. Plirpont Morgan purchased the cope in London from a dealer, Who had received it in the ordinary way of business. It is stated that Mr. Morgan gave £2000 for the cope, morgan gave r -; : ,;y. ■. 4^ ; -; i I