Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1864-03-17
secretary Chase's withdrawal.

From the Philadelphia North Americsnl
The letter addressed by Secretary Chase
to Hon. Mr.. Hall, Of Columbus, Ohio,
which is published in another column,
removes the most serious danger which has
threatened the Administration, and does
away with the most grave impediment to |
the work Of reconstruction and reunion.
1t has been known for some time that the
friends of Secretary Chase were earnestly
urging his claims for the next nomination.
They plead in behalf Of their course the one
term principle, the eminent ability shown by
the Secretary in his conduct OF the national
finances, the personal and political popularity
of their nominee, and, in some quarters,
other matters neither true nor relevant. 1t
is but fair TO add that in conventions MIR.
Chase has manifested a great deal of
strength and that everywhere he has been
second only to Mr.. Lincoln.
But the manifestations for the president
have been so marked and earnest; the debate
has shown so much more clearly his popular.
tyand thegeneral appreciation OF his services,
the nominations Of Legislatures and other
bodies have run so strongly in his besalf, as
to make it evident that the further urging
of Mr. Chase's name could only result in
division Of loyal men, when the public good
imperativcly demands unanimity. Without
: likely to arise had Mr. Chase consented to
have his name used, we can but express our
, qualification that he has wisely adopted a
policy that removes all difficulty; thatre-
bounds to bisown credit, and renders the re-
: election of Mr. Lincoln::a certainty The only
dangers of the canvass were from internal
dissenson.
A large majority of the delegates to the
National Convention will 90 there under
specific instructions from their States to
: support Mr.. Lincoln. Those who are not
: instructed may be supposed to entertain
| similar feelings, since they are the repre-
sentatiyes Of masses which are largely
leavened with this preference. Any others,
j who may not be moved by sectional OF
personal feelings, will feel at the outset that
their wisest and only course is to follow the
I will of the majority Therefore we may
: fairly hope that the ensuing National Con
q vention of the friends of the Administration
will result in the unanimous denomination O
President Lincoln upon the first ballot.
q The effects of such course would not lie
It chiefly felt here. Of course an affirmation
J. of the established policy ofthe country, ant
/, are endorsement Of the character and con
" duct of the Administration by the people Of tn
: North, will do much towards settling anC
l. hardening our differences But the gist o
). this course will be felt in its fulles
il significance byi the rebel States AM
people. They will then comprehend what j
II meant by Union sentiment They will real
y ize that, with all its preferences and predlic
At tions as to men or measures, the North
at virtually one upon questions of government
80 and that without instant submission an
DO immediate return to loyalty and allegiance
IN that which they have felt, compared wit
n what they have to feel, is but as the gree
n to the dry-the sapling to the oak. The
!, have flattered themselves that so "arbitrar
II and despotc" President could not be rt
re elected; and that, failing Democratic success
IN a more moderate Republican would succee
W him; or that, both events failing, the Mort
would be split, even to the extent of war, b
partisan differences. Il was their last hop
and it fails them now as notably as ever
re previous reed upon which they have leaned
he With the Withdrawal of Mr.. Chase tt
is Union men will go into the election assure
er of success There is hardly State upo
m which We may not count with good reason
for confidence. The acrimony and hostiliI
,rs which had begun to be felt will die out, an
so with one object, one goal, one desire, we sha
10. all work through the same means an
is channels to the same end; Ieassured in OF
no hopes, strengthened in our belief nerved
ct our deeds and actions to consummatiO
he which includes the abolition of slavery, th
he crushing of rebellion, the restoration of tl
It, Union, its return to that prosperity whic
m existed before the war, and that prosperit
ITS intensified and heightened and perpetuateC