The Washington times., 1894-12-19
Kats Chase S9rague's Historic
Mansion Not Taken from Her.
THE AUCTION SALE POSTPONED
She Vas Given Another Month to
Find Private Purchaser.
Trustees Considerably Afford Mrs. sprague a
Chance to Restore Her Fallen Fortunes
Brilliant social Gatherings in the Great
House on the Eill Overlooking Wa1hin3-
tcr-Misfortunes Have overtaken Her

''Edgewood,' which was the home of the
late Chief Justice Salmon ?. Chase, of the
United States Supreme Court, more famous
as the residence OF his once handsome and
fascinating daughter, Kate, around whose
name there clusters a wealth OF memories,
Was TO have been sold yesterday under the
auctioneer's hammer and TO be knocked down
to the highest bidder to satisfy deeds of trust
given by its MOTEL owner in,her hours OF need.
The historic old mansion was however, pre-
served from the hands of strangers as. at the
eleventh hour. it was decided BY The trustees
thatits famous owner should be given another
month. ending January II, in order to find a
purchaser who would pay a better price than
could be realized at forced sale.
This may prove the turning point in the
tide OF Kate Chases fortunes. which have
! for 50 long been at the lowest point, that She
/ had almost lost hope and happiness. An
opportunity IS Afforded for Mrs. Chase TO
como to terms with syndicate which, it ls
/ said, has indicated desire
TO CONTROL THE PROPERTY.
"Edsewood'' lies between lexington and
/ University and contains thirty-one acres. 1t
was carved ont of metropolis View" once
the home of Washington Berry. The man
1 sion house stands upon the crest Of a COM
mandng hill. The place shows the lack OF
/ care which only ample means could give. 1t
has not the weil-kept. smooth, and carefully
. tended look that is seen around country resi-
dences when the owner has plenty Of the
worlds goods. The hillside is covered in
/ places with thick. late underground anu the
/ grass has not felt the mowers knife for many
/ a day.
Nevertheless the place has dignity tn at
time and misfortune ST EN- only to accentuate
/ North of the mansion are seen the grant5
/ buildings of the Catholic University aud the
Soldiers Home. white far to the south CLEANS
the gliding on the dome OF the new library
aud way beyond stre-ch the Mary land and
/ virginia hills.
The old house. sad and sombre looking,
stands coldiv on the top OF the hill as If striy-
ing to hold up its ia owners fallen for
tunes. lis tail. narrow gables and darkened
windows locking coldly down upon the gen
GRAFTON which knows only through others OF
the halcyon days when Kate Chase Sprague
( held her court OF beauty, wit aud talent
there. and in its salons Senators. diplomats,
Congressman and the most beautiful and
clever women in this city met in social inter-
( course.
The history of Edgewood. its grandeur and
its gloom. is inextricably interviewer with the
s;orm-tossed life of its owner. AS her father S
loved and petted daughter she was the center
OF "a brilliant circle Her subsequent career
is
ALMOST PART OF HISTORY
During the war Miss Chase married Mr.
SpragGe. at that time a wealthy calico manu-
facturer, who laer was Governor OF Rhode
Island. This brilliant marriage, with all its
eel At, was in few years followed by most
sensational divorce. Gov. SpTa ue Oh the
enc side connected his w.fes name it'll thai
of a Senator OF national reputation, while OF
the other she brought into question his sanity
A decree Of divorce closed their marital
career.
For many years after this Mrs. Chase re-
sided in England aud superintended the edu-
cation Of her bright family of daughters, one
of whom Ethel Chase Sprague, is now on
the stage in one OF the leading New York
companies. 1t is said that for several ye ar;
Mrs. Chase has been running deefer and
deeper into debt that she has be- com
PEELED to borrow money TO pay her living ex-
penses; that loan has followed loan until she
has become SO much involved that the trus-
tees under the deed of trust have found
themselves compelled 10 sell the property.
The trustees are United States Marshal A
A. Wilson and Attorney John y. LGrner, ans
the amount Of ths Indebtedness secured about
81, Geo. The estate is very valuable, and i:
estimated 10 be worth from $4,000 10 $50,
600. that is from $4,000 10 50 900 l.er acre.
An effort was made to see Mrs. Chase las
night in order TO ascertain the facts relative L
the postponement of the sale. but, worn ou
with the fatigue and anxieties Of the day. sht
had retired. In answer 10 the inquiry whethe
she had made arrangements by which sh,
would be able to retain EdgeWoOd. she sen
word TO THE TIsrEs that she lad thirty GAYS
and that much could be accomplished in tha