The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1879-08-21
Mrs. sp-ague's Second Statement.

Mrs. Spsague's Second Statement.
Mrs. Sprague made supplementary state
ment to reporter of the New York San, in the
course of which she said:
@This whole miserable affair into which
Senator Conkling has been wantonly dragged
Without particle of reason or excuse Orlgi-
mated in a business transaction between him
self and my husband of so trivial q nature that
you would be astonished that any sane man
could consider it source of jealousy. y
year ago Last July Mr.. Sprague sent On to
Washington lot of young colts and young
horses and fillies, which he had picked out for
his own use at the winding up of his estate.
He wished me to Use those wanted for riding
and driving and have the rest pastured some
where near the city. He came on himself, and
was looking about for a place to pasture them
when Mr.. Conkling told him Of some farmer in
the Eeighbornood who was taking care of his
(Conklings) horse. Mr. Sprague accepted the
suggestion with pleasure and Mr. Conklipg in
troduced him to the farmer. When October
came the man sent his bill, which l forwarded
to Mr.. Sprague in Rhode Island This bill was
sent again and again, &nd always returned I'M
paid, until / began to feel scandahzed.
The man then applied to Senator Conkling, and
then threatened to sue him. Having by the
Introduction of my husband, become surety
for it's payment, Mr.. Conkling was finally
forced to write to Mr.. Sprague, telling him the
position in which he was placed, and on sub
sequent visit to Washington again called on
Mr. Sprague and asked him to settle it. He
told my husband that he could not be expected
to pay any lady's bills, least of all married
lady's, and that it would be an insult to pro-
pose it, but that he (Mr. Conkling) would
gladly give my husband the money to
pay it out OF his own pocket, and let
him. repay it whenever he would. When
l heard of this [ was naturally
indignant, and chided my husband for allowing
the Senator to make such an offer, and said
that would sell anything had to raise the
money rather than accept such assistance.
And yet this petty, contemplate bubble was
the commencementof all my husbands jealousy
against Mr.. Conkling. Even after that he con-
scented to receive him, and voluntarily went to
Washington in April last to get the Senator's
legal opinion in regard to the troubles be-
tween himself and his creditors: There was
perfect and entire cordially between
them then, although these scandals it is
now charged, had been known in Washing
ton for years. There Is not a word of truth in
all of these atrocious reports Mr.. Conk-
ling never paid me any attention that
wife could not honorably receive from her
husbands friend, and it is false to say other
wise. y X On Friday morning. when l
came down to breakfast, was told to my sur
denly at 3 o'clock in the morning, and had left
again. I paid no attention to this, how
ever, as his movements were always
very erratic. He comes in on you
like a ghost in the middle of the
night, and at the most unreasonable hours, and
hurries away in the same disquleting manner.
I had learned to be used to these freaks, but
Mr.. Conkling, when told of the Governors
visit, seemed surprised at such Conduct. [
thought no more of it, and busted myself about
my household affairs, while Senator Conkling
took seat on the lounge in the room. and was
looking over the newspapers After giving my
orders [ turned to poor Mr.. Martin, who was sit
ting in the room, and at his request sat
down to read little to him. Just then Mr..
Sprague came up the staircase. He walked
elowly into the room, Mr.. Conkling rising to
meet him. Some words passed between them.
which did not hear, but the tone of which ar
rested my attention. I rose to my feet Mr.
Conkling walked straight across the room to
where stood, and SAID: Mrs. Sprague, your
husband is very much excited, and think it
better for all of US if I should withdraw. If
my departure puts you in any danger, so say,
and will stay, whatever the consequences
@He spoke in very calm voice, although I
knew he must have been excited. I told him
not to mind me- but that if Mr.. Sprague was in
a passion it would be useless to argue with him,
and might only lead to violence.
"The report that wrote notes to Mr.. Conk-
ling at the time of his difficulty with Senator
Lamar is shameless falsehood certainly
would not do So Obviously it would be
an improper and unladylike action. The
same absolute contradiction is due
from me of the stories of my remain
ing out at late hours and meeting
Mr.. Conkling at the Capitol. am compelled
to speak plainly of these outrageous ISLANDERS
because of their wide publicity OF all the
crop of ISLANDERS which have sprung up, loathe
TO speak of those things, but they have beon
hoods, they appear to the public like admitted
facts. At the proper time and in the proper
place will show the true character and origin
of the persecution. can honestly say that
want the truth about this matter to be known
at the proper time"