The Portland daily press., 1899-08-02

Her marriage was the climax Of Kat
Chase's career. After that life was a
constant struggle against adverse aIroum-
stances. First, her husbands fortune
was swept away. Then came trouble In
the family, and Mrs. Chase secured
divorce.
She removed to Edeewood. the country
estate OF her father, Chief Justice. Chase,
near Washington. There Kate Chase,
though retired from society, still quietly
entertained the most distinguished PEG.
pie In public life. But there was q mort
gage on the homestead. and 1t was about
to be foreolosed when the friends Of Mrs.
| Sprsgue and to her father satisfied the
Indebtedness, and left her the place unin-
numbered.
Chase's political Judgment at Edgewood.
The campaign against Blaine Is said to
have been mapped out there.
Later Mrs. Spragus started out as
market gardener, raising vegetables for
hejWashington market. This proved sue
cessful.
Mrs. Chase was In many respects one
OF the most remarkable women ever
known to Washington society. In the
days OF her prime there was no disputing
her leadership. She was actually the
queen OF society. She could make or
unmake social asplrnnts with an invita-
tion or a snuh.
Many stories are told Of the peculiar
power which she at one time welded
there. Her drawing-rcom came nearer
realizing the dream of = salon after the
Nine. de Stael model than anything that
has been seen here since. Public men
and aspiring politicians We'd with one
another for her favor.
Mrs. Sprague's flight from Cononchet
with her three little daughters is yst
talked Of in the neighborhood. After this
came the divorce from Gov. Sprague the
three daughters, Ethel, Kate and Portia,
going with the mother, while the SOD,
Willie. remained with his father.
There Is a story Of the governors drive
to Narragansett Pier, his meeting with
Conkling-the man whom he accused Of
robbing him of happiness-his return to
three little girls with her, but leaving the
boy, Wiills, AT Ohn0ncnet.
Gov. Sprague began by demanding
tho return of the three little girls. The
meeting was stormy.
At last Gov. Sprague said:
"Do you intend to return to Canon
chets'
II fear for my life II do" she replied.
-"Isnever harmed anyone" was the
governors answer, "and you are safe.'
After many demands on the part of
Gov. Sprague for the return of tas chill
dven, he placed them In his carriage with
their nurse, who had accompanied Mrs
Sprague from Providence, and drove to
Canonchet. Mrs Sprague finally decided
that she would follow them.
| No permanent reconciliation followed.
| To Mrs. Sprague was given authority
to resume her maiden meme OF Chase.
under which she has been known ever
since, and for time she settled down ut
Edgewond. The taxes were not paid for
years. but under the skilful management
of Katherine Chase, congress passed an
act remitting the taxes, and, In fact. all
charges against Edgewood, In view of the
distinguished service of S. p. Chase to
the country. After this matter was set
tied, Mrs. Chase, with her daughter. left
for Europe. When they came back, Ethel,
the eldest, was grown up. Her tastes
were theatrical, and Mrs. Chase gave her
the test opportunities for stage training,
and she became an actress. In July.
1895, number of prominent men. remem.
bering the services rendered to his country
by her father, and those she rendered her.
self through the political salon over
which she was queen. made up a sum
sufficient to keep her in comfort for the
rest Of her days.
| The amount subscribed was $50 600. to
which Senator Brice, John Wanamaker
and q. s. Sorg contributed $4,000 each.
The other contributors were prominent
Republicans IN New York. Washington,
Cleveland, Boston and Providence.