Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-03-19
POLITICS AND GALLANTRY.
Prominent Politicians in Washington Kissing
Each Others Wives.

WASHINGTON, March l6.-There is much talk
about difficulty between two prominentpolticians
caused by kiss given by one to the wife oil the
other.
THE KAssON DIVORCE CASA STATEMENT OF THE
CIRCUMSTANCE.
From the Dubuque Herald, March s.
The institution of suit of divorce by Mrs. John
A. Kasson against her husband, and their final sepa
ration, has excited some attention during the past
three weeks but still has not received that attention
from the press which its importance would seem to
demand. The prominence of Mr.. kasson, his we'll
known ability and influence in the councils of the
nation, which all cOncede, and the length of time he
has been before the public in high official position,
together with the amiability, beauty and lovely dis
position of his wife, all cOnspire to make it case OF
more than ordinary moment The facts have not yet
been published in full, and now, since the parties
have agreed to an amicable separation it is doubt
full if they ever see the light further than they are
now known. For this reason we collect such have
been made public, and present them in continuous
narrative, though of course not able to give so full
an account as presence in the town where they re-
side would afford. Mr.. and Mrs. Kasson have been
married. we are told, about fifteen years. This mar
rage has never been blessed with any children, and
it is believed that in this fact is to be found remotely
or directly, small part OF the present trouble
Mr. KassOn during the first part of Mr.. Lnc0lns
term was first assistant postmaster TO Mr. Blair, but
he resigned the place in 1862 when he elected to
Congress from the Fifth district of this State He
had made it his home at Des Moines for several
years. where he has pleasant little homestead
His wife had usually accompanied him to Washing
ton but this Winter she did not go for some unex'
plained reason. Ii would appear, however, that at
his departure she had no suspicion of him, nor, If
he was guilty, did he suspect that she had any
knowledge of it, for he left much the largest part of
his ready money with her. While he was absent at
Washington this Winter, Mrs Kasson not only
heard but it would seem obtained evidence that he
was guilty of violating his marital VOWS. Who
with however, when or where, Is not known, anu
probably will not be made public. 1t is said, how
ever that the lady in question was ndlscreet enough
To write him a letter that contained good
many things friendly episte should not contain,
and this OF course, was mlscarred and finally came
into Mrs. Cassons possession, and Is presumed that
This contained the evidence of his SIM BE this as it
NAV she considered her wrongs too gTevOus TO be
borne, and with full knowledge of all she and he
both must sacrifice, she determined to institute pro-
ceedings and petition for divorce was drawn up,
but We cannot learn that it was ever filed. This
was about the middle of February. or course it
would not long be keIa secret, and when started
il travelled fast. Its first public announcement, We
think, was contained in our Des Moines despatch,
published on the morning of February 20. Mr.. Kas-
son was Mt once informed of the state of affairs, and
started for home. 1t will be recollected he was
charged in some of the papers with lodging on some
of the important votes taken that week in Congress-
but it now appears he was speeding away Tor Iowa
as fast as possible in matter that affected HIM
much more deeply and nearly than the matters he
was leaving behind, important as they were. The
result is already announced. He arrived at home,
had an interview with his wife, it is said, acknow-
edged his guilt she laid down her terms he agreed
to TO them they resolved upon an amcable sepa-
ration; legal proceedings fany had been instituted,
were droppcd and he is now on his return to Wash
inpton. The lovers of scandal, and those ca
ger for the pHrient Development OF such
divorce cases, are disappointed, and in short
time the whole thing will have passed from the public
mind This is the prevalent view. Mr. Kasson, OF
course has many warm friends who do not and can
not believe these things true of him, and they al
lepe that his enemies in his own party, who were
offended at his public action, and especially those
who are jealous Of bis power and popularity, have
operated upon Mrs. KsssOn, and magnhed what,
Derhaps were only slight ihdlscretlons, until they
have cOaded her on to do what she has DONE How
this suppositiOn will be made to hinge with his action
while on a visit tO Des Moines does not appear
The account says he appeared in open court in War
rem county, and plead guilty to the allegations OF
inGdelity, whereupon decree was entered in ac-
cordance with the prayer of Mrs. Kassons petition,
Int this Is doubtless an error. ltbis said that Mr.
and Mrs RassOn had always manifested q remark
able affection for each other. They were attentive
and considerate to each other as lovers; she was
proud of his talents his open address, and his posi-
ton; while he, was proud of the kind, gentle,
Womany, and fine social and mental qualities OF his
wife He was fine man, much superiortO the COM
nor run, and She was worthy of him. Their letters
nm TO within very recent period were such as would
only be expected from high-minded and honorable
companion. But so it is. This unfortunate denoue-
ment has shown to the world the skeleton Of the
closet Smiles and caresSes have ended in tears and
Distress