Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-09-23
A CHAT WITH CHASE.
what he Thinks of the Democracy
and the :" New Departure"
Cincinnati Enquirer Waukesha (Wis Let


Cincinnati Enquirer Waukesha (Wis Let
ter.
Your correspondent enjoyed the priv
lege of dining with the Chief Justice to-
day, by invitation, and also had the honor
ofa briefinterview with the distinguished
gentleman. What he heard and saw
may be briefly told as he remembers it:
Reporter Chase, if you have no
objection to conversing upon political
topics, desire to obtain your views upon
few subjects for the information of the
public.
Mr.. Chase-In regard to politics gen.
orally have little to say. am not now
an active politician, taking part in the
measures which mold the policies OF
parties. / am, however, an attentive
observer of events, and deeply interested
in the political welfare of the country.
Reporter-What measures do you re-
gard as necessary to insure the ultimate
success of the Democratic party2
Mr.. Chase-I think now, and have
always thought, that the success of any
political party depended upon its being
consistent with itself, and its adherence
to principles of truth and justice Any
party which does not shape itself in ac-
.cordance with these principles, no mat
ter what temporary triumphs it may en-
joy, must ultimately reap the reward of
its indiscretons and follies, and succumb
to nobler influences.
Reporter-Do you approve of the
New Departure doctrines of modern
Democracy
Mr.. Chase-I object to the term New
party have taken no nev departure
The change is simply q return to the
original principles of Democracy as .ad-
vocated by the great founders of the
party, and does not embrace the crea-
ton of any new political ideas.
Reporter-Do you think the political
aspect of things looks favorable to the
success Of the Democratic party?
Mr.. Chase-I believe that consistent
adherence to Democratic doctrines is all
that is necessary to secure the success
of the party. The leaders Of the party
should let the people know they are in
earnest, and that justice is on their side.
Reporter-What do you think of the
nomination of Mr.. Doolittle for Cover
nor and the platform of the Wisconsin
Democracy .g a'n1.f
Mr. Chase-I fully approve of the
platform of the Wisconsin Democracy,
and do not conceal my hope and wish
that Mr.. Doolittle shall be elected
As regards politics have nothing
further to say, nor do | deem it necessary
at this time for me to say anything
further My words and actions for past
years on various occasions in my public
life and elsewhere, have declared more
fully, intelligently and -emphatically than
/ could possibly doat this time my views
upon every question Of political impor-
tance which now interests the people.
| remark again that strict adherence
to the ancient principles of the Demo
cratic party, and the principles Of equity
and justice which underlie the founda-
tions Of the Government, will secure
the ultimate success Of the national
Democratic party, and result in the
overthrow of less honest and more un-
scrupulous organizations.
Reporter is the state of your
health at the present time2
Mr.. Chase--I regard myself no longer
upon the list of invalids. My condition
of health is much improved, and | have
considerable faith in its permanency.
At my age, however, having suffered
with previous attack it is quite proba-
BILE that were to attempt to perform
the almost limtless labor which have
allowed myself to endure at previous
periods Of my public life, / would be
more subject to second attack than |
would be had | not suffered at all
This is substantially the result Of my
interview with Mr.. Chase. His health is
undoubtedly restored. He is not as
strong as he was FIVE years ago, nor as
heavy, but as far as his general health is
concerned, he is as well as he has been
in seven years, He expects to return to
Washington in time to take his seat upon
the opening of the Supreme Court with
strength enough for the performance of
every duty devolving upon him. 1t is
not probable, however, that he will un-
dertake so great labor as he was accus.
toned to perform in former years.