The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-02-14
From the National Intenigencer Feb'y 6.
The Call Of Chief Justice Chase Re
sponded to in the South.

We augured favorably for our country
when it was made known that all the JUST
ces of the supreme court united IN declaring
the illegaity of the acts of military courts
concerning civilians, and that that high tri-
bunal would assert principles that, in view
of constitutional provisions. mast sweep away
the foundations Of proscriptive sectionalism
The rumor that Chief Justice Chase gave no
countenanee to that form of partisanship
which would shake our political fabric to its
foundations, in an attempt by madmen, in
congress and out of it, to usurpthe Presiden-
cy in fraud of law, fact, and public policy,
also serves greatly to quiet the sensitiveness
of popular apprehension
So, too, when the same functionary, in
spirit worthy of a just mind and the highest
judicial position in the land, to say nothing
of statesmanlike forecast, in effect pronounc-
ed at Philadelphia against destructive poll
cy of rabid politicians, heated by success in
the elections, the conservative masses took
decided heart and hope. He there said
The congress of the United States has offered
its terms, and l win take the liberty here to say
that l think more generous, more magnani-
nous proposition was never submitted to peo-
pie who have been in rebellion than the amend
ment which has been proposed by congress-
IAppIaus II those communities that hare been
az rebellion hare anything propose, If they think
there is a better mode, generous mode, q
mode better calculated the peace and har-
raony rnd prosperity Of this great tand, let them
come tor'rdrd and propose II, and the people ~i'
listen and Judge.
Referring to the above declaration, we
spoke as follows:
Judge Chase, notwithstanding the menaces
against him for consulting or comforting with the
President looks to an alternative for the rejection
of the constitutional amendment. Herein he diff
fers from the ruek of radical presses, since tina;
they breathe nothing but fire and blood to tbs
southern people, in the event of such rejection
The words that we hare italicized the sug-
gestion of craftsmanship of q disposition not Il
give up the ship, bat finally bring it, by some
means, into safe harbor. We welcome with sin
cere 10Y this declaration from so exalted and in
fuential n source. Nor do allow ourselves at
this time to doubt that the sentiment viii be re-
sponded to by many republicans of the more con-
sentative type in congress.
After it is settled legally that the constitutional
amendment is not adopted, and the way is thus
made clear for other suggestions, the excluded
states, in furtherance Of the idea of Mr. Chase
may meet in general convention, and take steps
looking to terms of reconciliation upon consuta
ton with the conservative element in the north
Or movement may be initiated for a nationa
constitutional convention.
In this connection, cannot forbear Stain.
that we have high authority, from other source
than the careful and weD-informed Washington
correspondent of the Boston 4drertiser (radicaI
of the reliability of the recent statement of tn
letter. rs follows:
''Mr. Chase has recently had two interview
with the President. The first of these was con
corning judicial matters, and had no connection
with subsequent informal meeting Of cabine
ministers. At the second interview, by appoint
ment for that purpose he was asked and gave hi
opinion upon the questions before the country
earnestly advising the President to recommen
the adoption of the amendment of the constitu
ton just basis of settlement, or il he was no
prepared for that, to take ground in favor of sub
stituting for the second and third sections of tn
amendment universal amnesty and impartial sui
frage."
All the above ideas and facts are import
ant in connection with the actual response il
the south on the call of the Chief Justice 70
plan OF reconciliation and restoration. b
which all the people may be united for
grand advance upon the high road of assures
national prosperity.
The plan which has now gone to the coun
try originated with the most judicious mel
of the Caroinas, has been considered b,
men of the south having the confidence OF
that section, by distinguished statesmen ant
military chiefs here, aud has been endorsed
largely IN circles of conservative republican!
o, the north. 1t has been submitted to leg
isia'ors at Richmond, and has been received
in goed spirit, though no. with unqualified
approval The Legislature of North Carroll
ma wall probably hive the honor of first act
ing upon . measure that, like the Mecklen
oarg declaration of Independence, will be the
niuD.4ion Of what shall lead to great and
.aay be glorious results. Much viii depend
however, upon the spirit in which 1t viii bt
received at the north. If patriotism shall
dictate that party shall stand still, while
measure for a reunion of Estates and lands
and hearts and hands," shall be the domin
ant question for consideration until settle,
in the interest of all the people of the coun
try, then our dark day and perilous period i
past. 1t is in the spirit with WHICH the ney