New-York tribune., 1873-05-08
.BY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRDUSE.I

MR.. SUMMERTIME. CHAsEs LETTER TO HIS SEC
RETARY.
by TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRDUNRI
WASHINGTON. May The death Of Chief-Justice
Chase had it occurred at any time during the past
two years would not have occasiOned surprise here
and the announcement would not have been unex-
pected 70 MS associates the bench. nor 10 his
many intimate friends in this CITY, where
his face and figure have been so well
known during the past 20 years. Since his
acceptance of the most important position in
President Lincolns Cabinet in 1861, no public man
has been 50 conspicuous IN Washington Others
nave commanded more Of public attention, but not
one for The period Of more than thirteen years has
been 50 prominent before the public Of the National
Capital President Lincoln and Secretaries Stanton,
seward and Chase were the prominent characters
10 the Cvl history of the Rebellion and the death Of
the latter brings back to the public officers here
remem brance of the strength Of Mr.. LincOlns Cab
met His death moreover, is received by al classes
here with profound sorrow. Little else was spoken
Of after the news was received, and nearly all
had some pleasant recollection auecdOte 10 relate
Of the deceased statesman. The first information
ceceived here regarding the Chief-Justice was tel
egram 20 the AttOrney-General from New
YORK. saying that Mr. Chase dying.
Scarcely had this news been circulated about
TO the Department of Justice that he was
dead. Previous to his departure for New-Ymk
on Saturday last he called ar the banking house Of
Jay Cooke & Co. TO arrange certain personal mat
ters. and had a long conversation with Gov. Cooke,
during which he spoke Of his health as somewhat
improved and announced his intention of spending
the summer quietly in travel and recreation. Ia
signing check he called the Governors attention
20 the ct that his signature gave evidence of inn
proved health, and recalled the early days of their
acquaintance in Ohio. He was in excellent spirits
and talked with unusual eheertulness
One Of the last visits paid 20 the Chief-Justice
before his departure was by 1lr Sumner on last
Thursday. Mr. Chase had called on the Massachu-
setts senator few days before. aud the visit Of the
latter was merely to say good by" TO one Of his
oldest felIOw-goTkers in the AntiSlavery cause and
one OF his warmest friends for quarter of a century
Mr. Sumner confirms what is well known among the
Cef-Juytices friends in tins city, that he appeared
70 be in better health than al any time during the
past twelve months or more. In his death" said
Dir. sumner, to-day, lone OF the grandest
hnks In the chain which bound the old AbO-
ht0nists 10 the people Of to-day Is melted away.
Our interview was not noteworthy one we merely
spoke Of old times the reyerses and triumphs Of
years past the changes that time has wrought, and
the condition Of the country now. He spoke with
apprehension OF the prosperity Of the country under
the present fOresbadowing and grieyed at the ten
dency n the present Administration. he spoke Of
his intentions for the SUMNER Of mis- purpose 70 visit
Boston 10 consult physician aud try new medical
treatment, of his intention later in the season of
gong 10 Colorado in hope Of still greater
improvement 10 his health" Thus his earthly pur-
poses are at an end Three great characters IN the
great struggle aud the history Of the century thus
Dass away almost togetheT-Greeley, Seward, md
Chase.
day OF two after the adjournment OF the Su-
preme Court, the sessions Of which the Chief-Ius-
tee artr4,dnd with surprising regularity, having
besn absent bat fow days during the entire term.
he took Jsdse Miller. Of his associates. in bis