The Bismarck Tribune

Pius IX to an Iowa Church.

A happy thought, at an appropriate time is frequently almost an inspiration. It is to such a combination as this that the Catholic church of this city is indebted for what will doubtless prove to it a rich present. It came about in this way: While in Rome, Mr. Jas. E. Easton obtained an audience with Pope Pius IX. While conversing with S. M. Chatard, President of the American Catholic College in Rome, to whom he was largely indebted for the privilege, the church in Decorah was referred to. Here came in a happy thought. Could he take home anything which the Catholics would prize as of peculiar value from its relation to Rome, the Vatican, the Pope? Yes. Here were relics in plenty, but not one possessed a particular value over the other, until a second happy thought occurred; why not secure a portrait of His Holiness, and by some act connect it with his visit and his reception? The idea was suggested to M. Chatard, who not only accepted it as a happy one, but volunteered to its value by securing, if possible, the rare favor of the Pope's own autograph to it. The picture was purchased—a perfect full-length portrait, done in oil, and showing him seated in his robes of white and crimson—and sent to Chatard. A few days later it was returned to Mr. Easton, with, not the autograph, but his Apostolic blessing upon the church and its adherents here in Decorah, written by the Pope's own hands.

The picture Mr. Easton has caused to be handsomely framed, and on Thursday it was presented to the church, and it will be suspended on its walls, there to remain an especial tie, binding the church in Decorah particularly to their great head and Father in Rome.—Decorah, (Iowa.) Republican.