Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1864-03-14
WIlLdrawaI or lIr. Chase

Feurth Page
The WIthdrawaI Of SIR. Chase.
Several weeks ago, speaking Of the Pre-
Bldsntisl posture Of sasirs, we remarked
that Mr.. Chase, in view Of all the circum-
stances in the case, would advance the in
tereSts Of the country as well as his own
By promptly retiring from the Presidential
ring. Mr.. Chase, stimulated thereto By
the recent action Of the Ohio Legislature,
has come to the same eonelusiOn. We
have no doubt that this act, which he says
Is in Difference to his friends in Ohio, will
Be highly appreciated BY asl who admire
the great natural ability, the ripe states
mauship, the sound patriotism and large
experience Of Mr.. Chase. Nor do we be-
Heve that be was mistaken in his recen t
Interpretation Oft voice of the Union men
Of the Ohio Legislature. What these men
declared, was not declared in an official
capseity. They we're "minding their own
business" in their unofficial declaration
that the people Of Ohio we're sn1ious that
there should be no distraction in the party
BY the sdVoelcy Of any other msn than Mr..
Lincoln.
The statement made by that small pOr-
tion Of the press in Ohio in favor Of the
nomination Of Mr.. Chase, that the Legis-
lature in their recent action +" did but
damAgs the cause by sn interference in
what did not concern them" is not
justified BY the facts in the case. Un-
i'y Of action is what our Lsgisls
ture desired. They came directly from
the people. They knew how strong
" the people feel on the subject. They
knew that their constituents however
much they might admire him, did not sp-
prove Of the efforts of few newspapers in
the interests Of Mr. Chase, to create dis
turbanee in the party or unfit MIR. Chase
for The execution of the grave duties i'm
posed upon him ss Secretary Of the Treas
ury. The setiOn Of the Legislature was
not any result Of the secret management.
We have reasons to know that it was
spontaneous snd patriotic expression, cal
led out BY feeling that the most serious
eon5eguences might flow from diversion
which Mr.. Chase's name was creating.
We condemn therefore the declaration By
"a ereaing paper Of this city, that the Leg
islsturs stepped out Of its way to meddle
via What did not concern it. In stead
Of aiming blow ct Mr. Chsse'sreputatiOn
the Legislators Of Ohio have only done
him Kindness. Any body who circulstes
'among the people knows how strong re-
gard they have for Abraham Lincoln, q re-
gard 90 strong that State pride could not
be enlisted even in favor Of Ohio's leading
statesman. Our Legislature, therefore, in
IN unofficial capacity, collected together
simply as patriotic citizens Of the Republic,
gave expression to this universal feeling
and no bitter discussion need take place
In regard to their action.
In view Of all this, Mr.. Chase has done
wisely in Withdrawing. BE win stand
higher in the estimation of the people.
His withdrawal also simplifes the Presi-
Dental campaign. Mr.. Chase, If any
body, had the best right to contest the sue
eaaaion. Having Withdrawn, the strength
of the Union party can now be coneentered
upon Mr.. Lincoln.
e In this withdrawal, Mr.. Chase is not
undervalued BY the people of Ohio. They
esteem him the more. By his withdrawal,
he unites sn men on Mr., Lincoln. No
militsry man, as yet, can claim the Presi.
dsncy. Mr.. Lincoln succeeds bi-Seii
therefore, and veteran ADMINISTRATION
remains in authority.
We see it urgs1 IN some quarters that
shia viiha-sWsl of Mr.. Chase is not sin-
CO.., that it Is only manifestation Of
exceeding cOyness toward the Presidency,
with the purpose Of making himself still
more desired BY his friends.
Msn who seek the Presidency with great
srdOr ere not always themselves sought
By the people. A modest aud indifferent
policy often captivaies where bold as
suuptiOn fails.
We cannot believe this theory. Itwould
only array agsinst him in bitter hostility,
his friends in Ohio. He could not hope
Ior , HOminsti0H with the great stats of
Ohio srrsyed in open hostility TO him.
Let rs therefore accept this withdrawal IS
~ assurance from Mr.. Chase that he is
far more concerned about the unity Of the
party that opposes rebellion and slavery
than he is about personal preferment in
Ahln n.illn.I hn,r,. - - ~