Terre Haute Weekly Gazette, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 14 August 1879 — Page 1

SPRAGUE-CONKLING

The Svapcxoat Teftchcr Tells What he Kn«wa,

The Story That Conkiing Tries to Circulate is '•t&o Thin,"

Erratic ftprsodes of the fan 83 Hyperion Curls.

Boy Who

is

Called

Fremises.

ROSO&UB

After his Alleged Papa.

A Speech That the Lerdly Conk Never Delivered,

Beiisgr Dissuaded Tfcereirom by Mrs. Sprague.

Special to the New York Would: Ncrraganeett Pier, August io.«—Early this'morning there was an unusual stir in Die hotel*, for it had been announced that a Sunday paper which would arrive here from Newport would contain a full and complete account of the Sprague versus Conkiing sensation, Of which I telegraphed you some unofficial particulars last evening. Unfortunately for all parties concerned, the truth has not,jet fully appeared here, butl give it you now from a source as to which there can be no question. The trouble arose, not between any professor of German and exGovernor Sprague, but between ex-Gov-ernor Sprague and Senator Conkiing. The affair, as was stated in to-day's World, occurred on Friday evening. Either on Wednesday night or 7'hursday morning Senator Conkiing arrived at Narragansett Pier. With him or after him came a trunk and a large valise. These articles of baggage were taken to the Sprague mansion by the direction of Senator Conkiing. He remained there as a visitor the next day and was on a hotel paizaa during the next evening converting with some ladies. During Friday afternoon Governor Sprague was observed driving about

Narragansett Pier, having been at home entertaining his guests the night previ ous though he had been absent tor a day or, two before. He had a gun with him which it is believe.i that he loaded earlier in the day. Finally he drove to the rear of his house which is about a mile and a half from the Pier, and came through the house in a somewhat excited condition. He ,got out to the piazza, where he found Senator .Conkiing conversing with Mrs. Sprague, who was at a window. Governor Sprague, then said, addressing Senator Conkiing, "Are you armed, sir?" .and .Conkiing replied: "No, I am not." "Then said ex-Governor Sprague, "I -give you five minutes to .gel off the*e

If you are not away

will fire at you." Ex-Gov-ernor Sprague is said then to have made use of some further exasperating language. Senator Conkling-seeming much -surprised but remembering that lie was under ex Governor Sprague's roof/rose and walked a few step* away while Mrs. Sprague came out of the house and stood between them. Ex Governor Sprague etood looking at Senator Conkiing while a carriage drove up which had been ordered to take Mrs. Sprague for a drive.

When Mrs. Sprague tound-that ex-Goy-ernor was apparently determined on an unpleasant scene she* called for her hat ana shawl, which Mrs. Martin, a friend and a guest in the house, brought her. In ther. house at the time as jguests were Mr. and Mrs. Martin and M«»s Martin ai«J Mra. Alexander as well as Sen&tor Conkiing. A story which has baen circulated h«e that Senator Conkliqg .carricd an .invalid out of the house is nonsense. He went away entirely alone. After exGovernor Sprague repeated his .peremptory order to Mr. Conkiing to quit Jiis house, there was some hesitancy .on the part of the New York Senator as to what should be done, but seeing no hope of a rational solution he (finally took his hat and entering the carriage went down to the Pier, stopping oh the way at Billington's restaurant. Scarcely had he arrived there and got out of 'the* conveyance than ex Governor SprAgur, who had followed, c*tne up and it is therefore certain that •the latter muat have kept his horse hitched up ready for use to (follow Senator Conk* ling. On the arrival of ex-Governor

Sprague at Billington's another exchange of words took place, but there is not the slightest testimony to show that at any time a han»'-to-hand encounter, auch as has been spoken of freely here to-day, took place. But it is certain that there was an excited and threatening colloquy bet wen the two outside of the most pub'lie spot in the whole place, and thus it came to pass that the most exaggerated rumors were set in motion. Sifted down the foregoing are the principal facts in 3the case so far as Mr. Conkiing and Mr.

Sprague are concerned. As to the alleged cause of the hostility of Mr. Conkiing and Mr. Sprague it is onlv certain that the German teacher so indiscreetly and foolishly brought into the matter had nothing whatever to do with it. On Tuesday night, according to ex-Gov-etnor Sprague himself, he could not sleep. He 6aid to a tradesman here the next uay that his mind was

trouble, thai he could get no rest and that some one had to be cleared out of his house that Friday night. His movements during Friday morning were notioed by a good many people as being very strange, but no one thought that l»e Contemplated pqronal injury towards any individuals Alter the encounter Mrs. Sprague went to Mr. Perry's near by and subsequently to the Tower Housei where It is understood she remained over fright. Yesterday «he gave orders to have her trunks packed at the ex-Governor's house and put on the train for Providence. She sent her children 4ind maid t© the depot nearest the Tower Hill House and said she would take the cars at the Narragansett Pier Depot, which she subsequently did, and^net her family higher up the line. Before her departure for Providence, however, Mrs. Sprague went to the Lake Side House, near Sttver Lake. She drove'there and called for Professor Li nek, who is the German teacher towards whom Senator Sprague is said to feel such a,pronounced antipathy. She exchanged a few words with 4iim, which may have given rise to the introduction of his name into the story. Soon afterwards Mrs. Sprague went the Pier depot for Providence. Ex-Governor Sprague -went to Providence yesterday, but he-did not see his wife, going on a different train. That ex-Senator and Mrs. Sprague have been on the most unhappy term* for some time is matter of general notoriety here. A few weeks ago a gentleman whose family are staying at Narragansett Pier called oii Mrs. Sprnguc,and, sending in his card, saw her. He had known her for many years, but had never met her husband. He suggested to Mrs. Sprague hat he would like to leave a card for the ex-Senator personally, as he desired to have the pleasure ot meeting him. Mrs. Sprague in reply said that she was quite unab'.e to answer for .anything that Mr. Sprague might think or do. She had taken no responsibility for his conduct for a long time, and *it was not likely that she could long remain in the same house with him. The whole affair is most unfortunate, and the sooner the exact truth, as I have tried here to state 't, is known, the better it will be tor ail the parties involved.

It has been known here for some time that ex.Governor Sprague has contemplated selling the Itouse in which this unpleasant incident took place. A great deal of unnecessary scandal has been created by the injudicious story of a squabble over the German professor, which has not lo6t anything during the day by the commentaries of the people at the hotels.

From the Mew York Sun.J

Boston, Mass., August 10.—The Boston Herald to-day,publishes the following from Providence: The city was full of rumors Saturday afternoon concerning a \ery unpleasant affair at the residence of ex-Senator Sprague, at Narragansett Pier, on Friday afternoon. Reports of a serious shooting affnav were current. At. usual, all sorts of-ridiculous and sensational stories were told, involving several persons, among whom was Senator Conkiing, who lias 'been sojourning in Rh ide Island for several days. Your correspondent has visUed Narragansett Pier, and, after investigating the affair thoroughly, is able to state what is clearly and beyond doubt the true in wardness of the matter. It may be well to say at the outset that there was no shooting and scarcely anything in the occurrence which places it beyond, an ordinarily private family matter.

It appears that Mrs. William Sprague and children arrived', in Rhode Island from Washington about two weeks ago and, after a short stay.at Watch Hill, went to her husband's- residence at Narragansett Pier. Some months ago she engaged a German teacher for her children named Prof. George.Linck of New York, and he was occupied with his duties while the family were in Washington. She requested him to come to Narragansett Pier to meet her husband to arrange his compensation. Linck came to the Pier, but for several days did not see Mr. Sprague. At last he met him at Watch .Hill about a week ago, and for some unknown reason Mr. Sprague took a violent and strong dislike to him, and would have no business dealings with him, even forbidding him to come to his house at the Piar. Linck, not realizing that Mr. Sprague was in earnest, went to Mr. Spragues house on Friday, and the reault was that a very •disgraceful encounter ensued. After

Linck had been in the house awhile Sprague arrived, and when he saw the 'German, became furiosts, and in spite of the fact that the house had several guests, ladies and gentlemen from Albany and elsewhere, he ordered the men to leave, and, seizing a double-barrelled shot-gun, threatened to kill him if he did not go.

Mr. Sprague had previously informed some or the guests that they also had better go as it was probable there would be murder in the house. The ladies screamed ai.d naturally there was a great deal of exoHement at the strange action of the ex-Senator. The house-keeper endeavored to quiet the infuriated man, but it was .necessary for Linck to depart before the fear of bloodshed was allayed. The German left the house and went into the village, whither, after a time, Gov. Sprague followed, but he did not chance to encounter Linck again.

Senator Conkiing was at Mr. Sprague's house daring this altercation, hut saw nothing oi it, as he was in the library at the time, some distance from the acene. It appeara that Mr. Sprague had consulted Senator Conkiing in Washington some months ago upon a business matter connected with the settlement of the Sprague estate, and, as the business was unfinished, and as it had been intimated to Senator Conkiing that Mr. Sprague wished to see him again about it, the Senator went over to the Pier from New* port in a yatch with a party of friends Thursday afternoon. He called at Mr. Sprague's house on Friday, and was awaiting his arrival to consult him in reference to the business. As before stated, he did not witness the altercation, but, hearing the

VOIi.ll.~-NO.38. TERRE HAUTE, INDs,.—THITR^Ay, AUGUST 14, 1879., 1 *1.50 PER YEAR.

ladies scream, he, immediately sought them out. and found they were desirous to leave the house. There was an invalid gentleman in the party of guests present in the house, and Senator Conkiing took him in his arms and removed him to a carriage, and afterward saw that all present were conveyed from the residence, an they were very much frightened. He then walked to the village of Narragansett Pier, a half mile or so from the house. While walking along he was overtaken bv Gov. Sprague, who was driving to the Pier. He stopped and asked Mr. Sprague, what all the trouble was about, saying he could not understand why he (Gov. Spragae) should act so like a wild man. Mr. Sprague said that he knew his own business, refusing to give aa explanation of his actions. Senator Conkiing went to the house of a friend and shortly after took the evening train for Providense. He was the gues'. of Senator Anthony on Friday night and to-day, and this evening took the steamer for New York.

The report that Senator Conkiing had a personal encounter with ex-Ser.ator Sprague, and was shot by him, has no foundation whatever. Nothing of the kind occurred, and the only thing to give rise to the story is what is above related. It was Senator Conkling's misfortune to be in the Sprague residence when the Linck altercation occurred, but he took no part in it, -and was in no way involved in the affair.

Newport, IR. I., August

THE MOST TRACilC SCENE

at Sprague's mansion at Narraganaett 'Pier, on Friday, was between U»e master of the house and Lord Roscoe. The former, so it it now said, arrived at 'the -mansion unexpectedly by the Senator, who happened to be away. Roscoe was •quite attentive, it is claimed, to the lady guests of the house, but more especially toward Mrs. Sprague, who gave a igveat deal of her time to him, promenading, carriage-driving and in social chat. The ex-Sen a tor, on his return home, is now «aid, through his coachman, Perry, ibecame aware of the presence of Conkiing ait the mansion. He seemed to suffer

SEVERE MENTAL ANGUISH

on&eing apprised of the fact and finally gasre vent to his exasperation. He .procured a loaded gun, and on searching the house met Conkiing a*d Mrs. Sprague chatting together in a most conifiding waj', and it is said addressed the Senator by saying: "Sir, I have -endured this long enough. I'll stand it no longer." Sprague then asked Coakling to defend himself, whereupon Lord Roscoe remarked, "I am unarmed, air." Sprague, it io said, then eschtaed, "Then, YOU damned villain, I will five you just five minutes to leave my house, and if you do not do so "l W/ILL SHOOT YOU LIKE A Ctia."

Conkiing, it is said, appeared duaatofounded and at a loss aa to what 4e should do. Sprague stood in a threatening attitude with his pin, holding the muzzle in his left hand, with his right •n the trigger. Conkiing turned bloodred in the face .and then ashy pale. Sprague, it is claimed, continued to neap his epithets thick and fast on him, amid the screams of the ladies and other guests in the house. Mrs. Sprague all the while clood between the belligerents, at timea aasuming a defiant air, it is said, toward her husband. She at timea tried to cool the anger of her husband, who could not be appeased, and insisted that

"COHKLING MUST GO,

and that d—d soon, or else he would fire." The New York Senator, with his bosom heaving with excitement and anger at Mrs. Sprague's solicitation, finally took his departure in a carriage, but was followed by Sprague in a buggy to Bellington's cafe on the pier, where both engaged in the scene, described in the Enquirer's dispatch of Sunday night. Today all sorts of rumors were in circulation regarding the affair, all of which in a measure seemed to favor Sprague, who has the sympathy of a majority of the people, who believe him

A MUCH INJURED MAN.

It is rumored to night that Mrs. Conkiing will soon apply for a divorce,

A

10.—After

the

trouble at Governor Sprague's summer residence at Narragansett Pier, on Friday afternoon, Mrs. Sprague and her guests left the house and drove down to the village, where'they took looms at one of the hotels, Governor Sprague remaining at home. Yesterday Mrs. Sprague and her children left for Providence, where i* is understood that she went to the house of one of her husband's relatives in that city, where she now is. -,j THE r«AOK OF SENATOR CONKtlW's

HOUSE UNBROKEN.

Utica, August

10.—The

publication

here, this morning, ©f the Associated Press trtlegram relative to the troubk in ex Governor Sprague's household, at Narragansett Pier, Rhode Island, iFiiday afternoon, again revived the reports current hefe last June. It was then asserted that'Mrs. Conkiing was to institute -divorce proceedings againet her husband that a separation had already taken place, and that the Senator would not again return to Utica. The Sun's denial of these stories early in Jute was given editorial prominence in the Utica Observer,and for the time being it killed the scandal, particularly as it was followed almost immediately by the Senator's return to this city. It may be again stated that Mrs. Conkiing will institute no divorcc proceedings. All 6tories io the effect that there is a rupture in the Senator's home relations are unfounded. The scandals or slanders from the outside have not broken ihe peaoe of his household. This is authentic. Spcclalto the Cincinnati Enquirer

Boston, August n.—The SpragueConkiing scandal still continues the interesting subject among all classes here, and present indications are that the matter will not, at least, cease to be the leading topic until both alleged principals come out plainly and give the ifacts of the affair. Every body here is of the opinion that

the recent developments, it is claimed, having reopened the breach that was supposed to have been settled between Roscoe and herself.

PROFESSOR LINCK,

the German professor, whose name has been connected with the affair, is looked upon as a scapegoat, and who in the first place received a Bhare of Sprague's anger. The professor to-day publishes a long statement. Linck begins by relating the manner in which he was introduced 'to Mrs. Governor Sprague in December, 1878,

through Miss Young's

School Agency at New York, with a view to an engagement as private tutor to her son Willie, then at Washington. He was engaged at a salary of $50

a

month for the first three months, beginning with the 1st of July. Then follows a very lengthy and uninteresting account of his trip from New York for Narragansett Pier with Willie, and his first meeting with Governor Sprague, whose appearance altogether did not impress hiin favorably. Subsequently Sprague took Willie to Newport without consulting his tutor on leaving, which MRS. SPRAGUE WROTE TO THE TUTOR, saying: "In view of what has occurred at Narragansett, which has greatly shocked and distressed me on account of its apparent discourtesy to you, I rejoice that, governed by mature reflections, I concluded to trust you. I thank you sincerely for the good judgment you exhibit both as to the manner in which you treat Sprague's erratic proceedings and as to the firmness you exhibited with Willie, I have written to Governor Sprague, expressing my great disapprobation as to his disturbing Willie, and have requested him to return the boy at once to your charge, making it indeed a condition of my remaining at Narragansett. I scarcely think there will be any further delay or trouble about it."

THE NARRATIVE GOES ON. It was on the .evening of the

her

-9th

of

July that, returning home from the Pier, I saw the Governor walking in front of his house. Instead of returning my salute, he turned to me savagely with: "Why did you not obey nay orders to leave this house? What business have you here at all?" To this pleasant address I replied, coolly: "I am here by Mrs. Sprague's orders, and have nobody else's orders to obey. If my being here is a stumbling-block in your way you should have settled it with Mrs. Sprague. I haye awaited her directions, and am expecting

here from day to day. I

did not think it necessary to move. Send me, however, a conveyance to take me to the Pier, with my luggage, and I am willing to clepr out this moment, as it is undesirable t6 live under the same root with a man who seems to have lost his senses." "D—N YOU AND YOUR LUGGAGE," was the man's rejoiner. "If you don't get out of hete at once I will find help to turn you out." "I am not afraid of you nor your help," replied I. "But I have enough of Canouchet and of you, and will go walking off." The Governor used another unpleasant-epithet to me, and I COB Id not help calling after him, "It was an unmanly thing for you to carry off my bcJy clandestinely." "Your boy," he called back, with a sneer, and those were his last words. He disappeared among the bushes and trees. 1 went to my room, packed my trunks, to be called for next morning, and bid adieu to Canouchet probably, forever, as I then t'houoht.

MRS. SPRAGUE

ariived from Washington with the rest of the family on the 14th

of July, and I

was desired to join her on the

12th

at the

Westminster Hotel. Pending conclusion of the arrangement* we were to stop a few days at Stonington,«o as to be near Narragansett. Accordingly., Mrs. S. and family started on the ajth of July by rail. 1 followed later by steamer, joining the family on the 16th

at the Wada-

waunck House. That day Mrs. S. went to Providence, while I accompanied the children and their governess to Watch Hall, where it was proposed that Sunday ahoold be spent quietly. We took lodgings at the Ocean House. Mra. S. returned in the afternoon, bringing Willie with her. After our Sunday dinner

UBOVERNOR S. UNEXPECTEDLY ARRIVED. Mrs. S., having left the dining-room first, returned, begging me to keep out \a£ his way for awhile, as he seemed to .labor under the effects of drink. I found (the demand natural, and

did

keep out of

the way, visiting first the beach and then the afternoon service at Watch Hill Ohapel. At last my patience gave out, I ventured back to the hotel in order to gaia my room. Seeing the children At play and the .governess on the piazza, 1 stepped up to her to exchange a few words.

•"(HAVE YOU SEEN THE GOVERNOR,

Mr. Link?" was the question she addressed to me, not knowing of my trouble at this moment. Looking around the corner, I perceived the Governor flitting on a chair on the north piazza in A drooping position watching the children at play. He had not then aeen me, but must have heard my name called. 1 inatantly turned to the right about to avoid a scandal in the presence of so many church people. I stepped firmly, but quickly, across the lawn on the

fmasediately

lank road between the chapel and hotel, I heard footsteps behind following quickly in my wake. I crosaed the road, and turned down a foot-path leading to a shanty near the Larkin House. I knew the Governor was near behind, but awaited his coming up to me. At last he hallooed. I halted, turned, advanced three steps, and faced him.

HE RAISED HIS CAVE,

as It going to strike, but he did mt do so. I listened calmly to what he had to gay: "Now, you d—d —, if I find you again near ray children or place, I will surely kill you I will, and take my word for me." Last week I saw the Governor quite frequently passing our cottage 'with one or more of the children, either in a carriage .or on horseback, without no­

ticing me. On one of these occasions the ladies sn our piazza cried out with fright, seeing the young lady's saddle almost over the pony's neck. She was actually thrown into the road, as I afterward heard, without sustaining any injury. Mrs. S. was then absent. During the week just ended Mrs. S. sent for me to confer with her on this businees. On the assurance the Governor was absent I consented, though most reluctantly. Our interview was but of a few minutes' duration, and without anyapparenl result. On the occasion of the second interview I only entered the house to have A CUP OF TEA WITH THE CHILDREN, Mrs. S. being engaged with other visitors with reference to a final settlement of our dificulties. Again Mrs. S. sent her coachman, Perry, on Friday, to bring me to the house, believing a mode of settling my matter had been reached at once. More reluctant than ever I consented and was driven off, alighted at the entrance hall of Canouchet, and walked up the front steps, while Perry, the coachman, drove round back of the house. A servant-maid opened the door and desired me to step back into the buggy, which had been brought around again. No sooner was I seated when I heard footsteps in the corridor approaching the door. They were not a lady's I knew who it was before Perry, who occupied the outer seat on the right, whispered "IT WAS THE GOVERNOR,"' I couid not see him without leaning forward. Not being particularly anxious to see him first, I gave him a chance to step down, which he did stealthily, as I could discern. He was by the side of the buggy, and bent forward and looked hard at me, and suddenly, as if I were a valuable prize, grasped me firmly by the left arm, giving it a good shake' It was not like a friend's. I pushed his hand back, and prepared for a hand-to-hand fight, should the attack be renewed. It was not. He turned on his heels without a word, rushed up the steps, and dis* appeared in the corridor. I did not know, but I felt, what this strategic move implied. I was not prepared to be shot down by an infuriated man. I turned to Perry, bidding him to drive me off instantly, if he would not be a witness to

A COLD-BLOODED MURDER^,

Perry hesitated, but at last yielded to my solicitations, and drove off. Wlien we reached the Pier Perry felt leluctant to drive me near the station, and not wishing to compromise him any more I told him to set me down at Mrs. Beecher's wine house, opposite the Elmwood House, where I had on two occasiona treated myself and Perry to a glass of. lager. I entered. He drove off. I seated myself at a table in a front room talking to the landlady's daughter, who appeared to know who I was. My glass of lager had not been served when I saw the Governor coming along in a buggy behind a fast mare. I fancied he would drive past. He did not, but stopped short in iront of the very house. Who told him 1 was there? I called the landlady's daughter. There is harm intended, what is to be done? She pushed'Tne into the back dining room, from which I found my way into the kitchen, not so much to seek a hiding place as to find some weapon of defense, should lie penetrate so far. I saw what I wanted and kept my eyes on it. Three or four minutes passed in suspense. At last the door was thrown open but by

THE LANDLADY'S DAUGHTER". "Why," she exclaimed, in astonishment, "was the Governor going to shoot you? He rushed in wildly with a gun in his hands, peered into every corner in the front rooms and inquired for you. I told him jou had gone down into the village. Thereupon he jumped, with his gun, into a buggy, and drove off at a furious rate toward the Pier." I replied that there was no doubt of his intending to shoot me, and that I was much obliged to her for her protection. She suggested the adyisability of hiring a fast conveyance and driving off. I assented, and she hailed a buggy instantly. I jumped in and was driven home, out of harm's reach. -4-..

•HIE

CArt^Aw.

Such is the Professor's story, but as he falls to say any thing about Conkiing, it is generally believed that he is a cat'spaw to hide the scandal created by the altercation between Conkiing and Sprague, which is now believed by some to have occurred after Sprague's return from his chase after Linck. Conkiing is now in New York, and ia understood to be preparing a statement relative to the affair, and which in turn, if reflecting on Sprague, will be followed by one of the latter. O

AT CONK'S HOME.

WHAT THE SENATOR'S NEIGHBORS HAVE TO SAY A0OUT THE AFFAIR—SOME TOUGH STORIES OF HIS YOUTH. Special to tbe Cincinnati Enquirer:

Utica, N. Y., August 11.—The statement that Senator Conkiing had an altercation with ex-Governor Sprague, of Rhode Island, at Narragansett pier, created little or no surprise at the Senator's home. For years his neighbors here have been predicting some such out come of the gallantries for which Conkiing is noted. Before his marriage he was agar boy, and just across the Mohawk river, in the neighboi ing town of Deerfield, a youth whose presence strongly suggests the senior Senator. When this slight-minded yokel comes to Utica, the initiated wink knowingly, and contemplating the curl that bangs the boy's forehead they murmur

1

wRoscoe."

HE GOT HIMSELF

DISLIKED.

The feeling against Conkiing in Utica has been growing in bitterness since his refusal to come home to attend his daughter'a wedding. Shortly after adjournment of the session he came here, and although his daughter and son-in-law live on the same street with him, distant only two blocks, Conkiing has not called on his child, neither has he

recognized his son-in law. When a young man Conkling's amours Kav? his father great uneasiness. The old gentloman, who was a model of virtue himself, frequently admonished his headstrong son, but to no purpose. When Conkiing became suitor for the hand of the lady who afterward became his wife, Governor Seymour, the lady's brother, strongly objected to the match. Conkiing persevered, and on one occasion Governor Seymour invited him to the door of the Seymour mansion and showed him down the steps into the street. Roscoe triumphed, and for the sake of appearance a peace was patched up between the two families. When, in 1868, Seymour was a candidate for the Presidency Uticans were at first surprised at the vehemence uf the denunciation of the Governor by brother-in-law Conkiing, but presently it became apparent that the youn^ man was paying off an old grudge of his precarious courUhin of the Governor's sister. The Governor, who is deeply attached to his sister, paid no attention to Conklin's abuse, and the result was that after the lordly Senator had traduced him for some months he made a show ot friendship for his dis, tinguished relative. Governor Sey mour with characteristic nobleness of character* never alluded to the more than partisan abuse which Conkiing heaped upon him in the memorable campaign of 1808.

THE TONGUE OF SCANDAL, Of late years Conkiing has been much separated from his wife, and scandal has been busy with his name. It has been understood here that, becoming enamored of the wife of Pension Agent Howe,of New York, he sustained intimate relations with her for soncetimfc. The husband sued for divorce, and in a very short time he was dismissed fro:n the office of Pension Agent. Conkling's name has been mixed up with that of Kate Chase Sprague for some yearn past. It is well-known in Washington that the Blairs, the Sitgreaves and the Jessops have frequently ignored the lady in question because of her too ardent admiration of the Senator With the hyperion curl. Miss Blair when conversing with a Utica gentleman has alluded to Mrs. Sprague as "that person." When the exGovernor'6 wife was in Columbus, Ohio, she was also tabooed socially.

INFATUATED, CLEARLY.

1

A prominent official of Onedia Couny, speaking of the Narragansett Pier altercation, here to-day, said: "Why, when I was in Washington that winter it was a matter of common report lhat Conkiing was completely infatuated with Mrs. Sprague. If he made a speech she was in the gallery if he took a carriage ride she was at his tide her house was always open to him. When he made his midnight speech Kate Chase Sprague was in the ladies' gallciy. She stayed until two o'clock in the morning. The Senators would nudge one another and remark,'Conk's njidience is all here.'

Mrs. Sprague is a handsome matron, not quite forty, gifted with rare charms of person aud possessing brilliant cqnversational powers. The senior Senator from New York has found her society every way agreeable. .,

a

PRESS VIEWS. .1

The Utica Observer to-day prints a column giving mainlv the version of the altercation that appered in the New York World. Editorially the Observer *ay» of Mrs. Sprague: "It was either her misfortune or her fault that from a very early age she has been icvolved in scandals. Before she was sixteen, and when her father was Governor of Ohio, she made a great social commotion at Columbus. Afterward, when her fatner was Secretary of the Treasury, the Washington gossips were filled ro ove-firming with accounts of her behavior. When she married it was supposed that she would govern her conduct with nr.ore circumspection."

The Utica Herald, whose, editorex-Con-gressman Ellis H. Roberts, is knowing to many of Conkling's little indiscretions says: "Theaffair at.the summer residence of"Senator Sprague will render public scandals which it is the part of deccncy to conceal. Thoae who have had the current stories forced upon them will not wonder that the injured husbar.d has shot now, but rather that he has not before attempted to defend hie honor. But he has long conducted himself so a* to command no great sympathy. The scandals are so flagrant that they can now hardly fail to become notorious." "CONK" THE MISSING LINK.

Mr. Conkiing left Narragansett Pier with more dispatch than neatness. The day following upon his arrival in Utica he sent for one of his satellites, Assemblyman Ben Allen, and had an interview. The result was that Allen went around among the faithful stating that he had just had an interview with "Conk." This was on Saturday, and before any public mention had been made of the Narragansett row. The impression here ia that Conkiing hurried home ia order that the impression should be made here that he was not at Narragansett when Senator Sprague threatened to shoot. The version of the affair which introduces a German music teacher named Lincke is laughed at here. The conviction is that Conkiing is the misaing link.

It is stated on good authority that Governor Seymour and his brother, John F, Seymour, were closeted with Conkiing this afternoon. For about two weeks previous to the demonstration of Friday Conkiing had been at Newport, which is onlv three miles from Narragansett Pier. Sprague has been drinking heavily of late. WHAT IS THOUGHT Of THE AfFAtfe IK

WASHINGTON.

Special to tbe Cincinnati Enquirer: Washington, August n.—-The hostile demonstration by ex-Senator Sprague against Senator Conkiing, while it causes a good deal of goosip here, creates no surprise, the weight of expression being over the wonder that the ex-Senator did not long ago do what he a day or two ago attempted to do.