New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-05-10

A LETTER FROM THURLOW WEED.
DEATH OF TWO OLD FRENDs-rHE REV. W. b.
sPRAGUE AND TIE HON. S. II. LEoNARD-EARLY
NEWSPAPERS.
To the Editor OF The Tribune.
SIR: In our Youthful days, and until the maturity
of years, time passes in forming and extending
acquaintance and friendships more or less endear-
ing and enduring. In this respect l have been
among the most favored and fortunate. In my long
experience, the poetica idea that friendship is but
n name for mans illusion given" has been most EN-
phatically dsproved. The great charm OF youth and
the greatest solace of old age found in the friend
ships formed when life was young, its hopes buoy
ant and its affections freSh-frendships which ex-
listed without jar until the day of final separation
came But to those who are spared beyond the time
ordinarily allotted TO man there comes n season
when what constituted their highest enjoyment
proves their greatest sOrrOw. Time III ITS
relentless progress sewers link by link the ties which
bound us in affection and sympathy to earth. One
by one those whom we loved and hOnored drop
away, until before we are 50, instead of meeting
loved ones in the domestic circle graspng friendly
hands upon the sidewalk we must follow their re-
mains TO the cemeteries, cheered however with the
bright hope that they arc waiting and watching
for at the beautiful gate" which opens into BET
ter world.
This train of reflection was suggested by informa-
ton received this morning Of the departure to their
final rest and reward of two venerable and valued
friends. The Rev. DR.. William b. Sprague died on
SUNDAY at Flushing. in the SD year Oi his age. 10
his theological and literary character and services
the press has already paid deserved ana hlgh trp
ute. have only To speak OF HIM, Therefore, III MS
personal and social reatOns-rclatlOnS winch en-
dcared him to n very large circle. Gentleness OF
heart and simplicity of manner distinguished his
intercourse with all classes. IL may be truly
said of him, if indeed 1t can be sad OF
any man. that his whole life was vold OF
oilense." He possessed genial nature ana warm
heart the treasures of which lavshed upon all
who sought and deserved them. Autograpny was
Dr. Sprague's ruling passion. He explored Europe
and America in pursuit of autographs lis c0ilec-
ton is doubtless the most extensive ana valuable III
our country. Ut my privilege, during his 80
wears residence at Albany, to enjoy much of Dr.
Sprague's society and conversation IN me leisure
hours snatched from clerical and literary labor.
The Hon. Stephen b. Leonard, Is venerable printer
and editor also died on Sunday. at ms residence IN
Leonard established The Otreg0 Gd>cHc III SZo' ana
conducted it for more than 30 years with marked
ability and devoted patriotism. lie was twice
during that period elected 10 Congress- serving cred
aby and usefully there as he did in other positions
of trust and responsibility My acquaintance win
Mr. Leonard dates back to 1914, when we were
both j0urneymen printers. He established himself
at Owego two years after l broke ground
editorIaily AT Norwich, "a neighb0rng village
Though seeing each other less frequently than wOud
have been pleasant, we have always been friends
The venerable Lewis II. Redield of Syracuse Is tho
oldest surviving editor III Our state Next III SEMI
ority comes the venerable john +. Hubbard of Nor
wicR Mr. Relfeld established The OnoRddgd Jditey
Ga,effe i'm 1916, year before Mr. Hubbard cstab-
lished The No,1rch journal, and two years before
launched The ChcRdpgO dgicaftWist. The Rev. w. a.
Leonard Rector OF the Church OF the Redeemer,
Brooklyn is "A grandson of my deceased friend.
Nslp- lOTh, MAY y, 1870. L. W.