The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1859-04-07
GOV. CHASE AND THE PRESIDENCY.

GOV. CHASE AND THE PRESIDENCY.
If Gov. Chase ever had any prospect for a
nomination for the Presidency, that prospect
has been on the decline constantly ever since
his wedding with Thomas Corwin, at the Good
ale Park in this city, in the campaign of 1858.
1t is true, he tried to impress the people with
the idea that in consideration that Corwin
would adopt his principles, he would not dis
pute with Old Tom on account of his color,
which is, as we once heard Corwin himself say
at the old market house on State street, cop
per color" But the AntiSlavery element in
the Republican party was aroused at the union
of Corwin and Chase, and the confession of the
former that he had voted for the latter, and it
has not ceased to distrust and doubt Chase ever
since Mr.. Giddings addressed Mr.. Corwin
Immediately after the election last fall a signif
icant letter, notifying him that he was not
sound on some of the doctrines of the Republi-
can party, and to this day Mr.. Corwin has never
replied. He has treated the Old Chief with
silent contempt. But the Anti-Slavery element
is not made up of men who are idle observers
of what is going on around them. They note
and digest, inwardly all matters that pertain to
or affect their creed, and it is now said they
have become satisfied that Chase has abandon
led them, and they have, we are assured from
reliable authority, abandoned him. 1t is even
said that Dr. Bailey, who has been the earnest
and ardent friend of Gov. Chase, and desired
his elevation, has not only abandoned him. but
has SO advised him, and the influence of the
National Era will now be thrown, it is said, in
favor of Seward. The Presidential prospects
of Chase are very much below par. BE is fast
going down, and by the time his present term
expires in the Governors Office, he will be
without friends for the Presidency. = Ohio
Statesman, March 81.
We have not lately seen many of our ex-
changes, but we are informed that several Ad-
ministration papers in the West are in the
habit of quoting us, as against the nomination
of Mr.. Chase. The editorial copied from the
Statesman is the first article of the kind that
representation, and also to define our position,
so far as it may be proper.
1t is true that DR.. Bailey has been the ear
nest and ardent friend of Governor Chase, and
desired his elevation and lie still occupies
precisely that position. lie has not abandoned
him." has not so advised him. nor is the
Era committed to Mr.. Seward.
For twenty years that Governor Chase and
myself have been friends, not for a single mo-
ment have our intimate personal or political
relations been interrupted. l know him to
be pure in private life, of incorruptible integ-
rity; fair, firm, consistent, and able, in public
life remarkable for his administrative abilities.
a sincere Anti-Slavery man, a genuine patriot,
an elevated statesman, fit for the highest post
of trust or honor in the gift of his country
Ruf tha
Mr.. Chase, Mr.. Seward, Judge Mclean, Mr..
Hale, Mr.. Banks, or any other man, as can
didate for the Presidency. There are few
points, however, on which it desires to be un-
derstood, as openly committed.
l. 1t is in favor of perpetuating the organi
cation, known as the Republican Party, on the
basis of the doctrines promulgated in the reso-
lutions adopted by the National Republican
Convention which met at Philadelphia in 1856
and nominated Republican Presidential
ticket.
2 1t is in favor of presenting as the issues
of the canvass of 1860 the issues of principle
embraced substantially in the resolutions of
that Convention, and is opposed to the introduc
ton of any new tests.
3. 1t is opposed to the nomination of any
man not distinctly, clearly, and boldly, repre-
senting those Principles, and it is in favor of
the nomination of representative man
that is, man who has signalized himself by
pacity to render still further service, and by
his tried loyalty to its Principles.
A. When the National Convention shall have
assembled, every member, we think, should ex-
clude, so far asApossble, the bias of prejudice
or personal preference, determine in his own
mind who, of such Representative" men, will
be most likely to carry the election, if nomi-
mated, and then vote for the nomination of that
man.
To these positions the Era is committed :;
beyond them it has no declarations to make,
but will maintain discreet reserve, as most
consistent with its character and with the inter
ests Of the cause it advocates.