The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1868-06-16
Chief Justice Chase.

| ton CORRESPONDENT of the New York Herald. As Mr
Chase stands fair chance for receiving the nomin-
alton Of the Democratic party for President, we copy
below fuller explanation of his views important
questions. The correspondent of the Herald says:
THE opinions and political status of public
man in the country are of such Importance at this
time are those of the Chief Justice, both on ac-
count of his high character and position, and in view
| of the Presidential campaign and its complications,
and the very possible event of his close connection
| Herewith. MIR Chase comments freely ON men ana
measures; freely, in fact, that NO less person
age than the General of armies, rs late as Satur
day. sharply criticised the remarks that the Chief
Justice thought fit make the course of the Re-
publican party and in regard to the nominee for the
Presidency. Through a friend who enjoys intimate
| relations with Mr. Chase, l enabled to present
through the Herald of his views. which, will
be observed, are Of striking originality and OF extra
ordinary importance.
The Chief Justice declares that he is not a cand
date for the Presidential nomination; be does not
seek it. and does not want it He is grateful to his
friends and the people their recent manifesto
tions of respect and confidence in the of his name
for that high office. but his position and inclnations
would not admit of his accepting it except the
nation was in the utmost peril And under no cir
cumstances would he assume q respons. bity at the
sacrifice of his honest convictions.
The Chief Justice frankly admits that the Radical
party and himself differ widely in their views and
parties organized, he is for the Demo
cratic party. He differs from them upon only
point-that of universal manhood suffrage. He is
agreed with them on all other of the great issues
Incidentally he remarked, if he were elected by that
party to the Presidency while he would certainly
carry out their policy faithfully, he would labor to
make the party one of permanent usefulness, upon
the broad ground Of nationality and progress
In the opinion OF the Chief Justice, the deporable
condition of the Southern States demands not only
the proper consideration of Congress- but also mate
rial aid from the General Government. The war has
been ended for three years. and those States should
be in practical relations with the Government.
There is constitutional authority hold them in
| subiugation, and if there were il would be alike
unwise and unjust He favored the enfranehse-
ment of every white in the South, and removing
the political disabilities of every in the nation
He thinks freedom and manhood suffrage should be
an unquestioned right, but he conroverts the idea
that any other power than the States themselves
confer it. lie holds that the General Government
has no control the question, and that the power
rests in the States, where alone it should reside.
The Chief Justice would remove the political dis
abilities imposed on the South by the fourteenth
amendment. But those States organized
will undoubtedly ratify it, he proposes general
amnesty mode of relief and also act which
would tend towards the reconciliation of the two
tions. Furthermore, he regards this absolutely
necessary, as the provisions of that amendment ex
clude thousands from office, both under the Govern
men. and the States, and this will lead to complica
tons which should be avoided
Mr. Chase urges that the most liberal aid should be
extended to the South in improving their railroad
SYSTEM and also their navigable rivers He thinks
aid should be given 10 repair the levees on the Mis-
SiSSlpp Dullu new ones Wherever they arc required
even from Cairo to the Gulf. That the millions of
of land which would be reclaimed in the valley
Of the Mississippi by judicious levee system would
quadruple the producing powers of that section, and
add coIrespondlngy to the wealth and prosperity OF
the country.
Mr. Chase srenuously urges the early return 10
specie payments He believes it could be done with
out damage to any interests, and in comparatively
short period of time it would not matter whether the
bonds were paid in greenbacks gold, the public
credit would be re-esablished and greenbacks be
worth par value.
Mr. Chase condemned in strong terms the trial of
citizens by military commissions in time of peace.
He regards it arrogant assumption of power
most dangerous to the country and thinks it should
not be tolerated The Chief Justice made refer
whatever to the McArdle case. but his opinion.
recorded in the celebrated Milligan case admits
Of no doubts to what they
Mr. Chase expressed the hope that if Mr. Johnson
should rcorganize his Cabinet he would appoint
proper proportion of its members from the Southern
States.
In the course of his conversation he deprecated
the of Congress, especially Of the House Of
Representatives He considers their assaults on the
Judiciary and other Legislative acts unwse, and cal
cuated to the distrust and embtter the ami
mosities between the different sections
In reply to a question, Mr. Chase said the pardon
ing power was certainly constitutional prerogativc
Of the President, and Congress had power to
abridge it,
Since the above put in type, we find the follow
ing letter from Judge Chase (said to be private and
written to friend in the North Although written
several weeks ago it has just been published. We
think it will damage Mr. Chase's prospects for the
nomination:
WASHINGTON, May 25, 1868.
My DEAR SIR You are right in believing
that | shall never abandon the great principles |
for the success of which have given my entire
life adhere to my 'old creed of equal rights"
without one jot or title of abatement l shall be
glad if the new professors of that creed adhere
to it faithfully.
am amazed by the torrent of invectves by
which am drenched. Almost everything alleged |
as fact is falsehood out ofthe whole cloth. Where
perverted and trdvesticd that it becomes false |
hood | know motive for all this except |
disappointment that impeachment has not thus
far proved a success, coupled with belief that |
have done something to prevent its being sue
cess. | have not been partisan of impeach !
ment certainly; but have not been partisan on |
the other side AS presiding officer over the
trial my conscience testfes that | have been |
strictly mpartia and | am sure that any one |
who reads the report will say SO. Individually |
| have my convictions and opinions, but have |
very seldom given utterance to them. Indeed, |
l do not think that the case, in any of its as
poets, has been the subject Of conversation be-
tween myself and more than four or FIVE Sena-
tors, and then only casually and briefly No Sem
ator will say that | have sought to influence him.
The real ground of denuncaton is that have |
not been partisan of conviction; and this de- |
nunciation l am willing to bear. They may de-
uounee and abuse me and read me out Of the |
party, if they choose. I follow my old lights, not |