New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1886-10-22
THE RELAnoss OF LINCOLN AND CHASE
THEIR RIVALRY FOR THE PREsIDEScY--FRAxK p.
BLATRs ATTACK on Mr.. CHASE

CHICAGO, Oct 21.-An interesting contribution to
the current fund Of "reminiscences OF Salmon p Chase
especially his relations with President Lincoln Is to-
day given TO the press in advance sheets Of " The
Everyday Life of Abraham Lincoln, by the Men who
Knew HIM. prepared By Francis F. Browne, Editor
OF The DIAL Chicago. Although in preparation tor
several years. the work has not before been publicly
announced. Among those who have contributed
personal "reminiscences TO the work is A. C. Riddle
during the a Member of Congress from Ohio. and
an intimate friend OF the then Secretary Of tho Treas
ury He relates that shortly before the Baltimore
convention of June. 1884. he was invited to ac-
company Mr. Chase trip from Washington to
Baltimore At that time grave fears entertained
by the trends of Mr. Lincoln that he might nos be
renomnated. violent attack on Mr. Chase had just
been made by r. p. Blair, then a Congressman from
Missouri on the floor of the House under eireum-
stances which led Mr.. Chase to believe that the
President had inspired or approved the speech. Mr..
Riddle says it was on the evening follow ing Blair's
speech that he met Mr. Chase at the railroad station
in Washington and was shown to the Secretary's pri
vate car He reading Blair's speech and threat
eued 10 leave the train al once and give the President
bis resignation Mr. Riddle with difficulty persuaded
bIn to 20 to Baltimore and send his resignation
from there hold It till his return TO Washington
the following day.
The crisis seemed so grave not only for the future of
Mr. Lincoln. but for the Union cause. that on reaching
Baltimore. W. Riddle excused himself and Immediately
took the return train tor Washington He went direct
70 the President determined 10 heal the breach. II
possible before Chases angry resignation made II too
late it almost certain that without the support
OF Chase and his friends Mr.. Lincoln could not be
renOminated. He found Mr.. Lincoln at the White
House. evidently prepared for the battle which he
supposed awaited him A fresh statement OF the
made by Mr.. Riddle and by Judge Spaulding,
another member Of the House from Ohio Mr.. Lincoln.
moved by the friendly action OF those he had supposed
his political enemies changed his attitude OF defiance
and responded heartily and cordially. explaining that
he had previous knowledge OF Blairs speech and
regretted it exceedingly. He authorized them to
communicate his explanation TO Mr. Chase. which was
done. and the latter satisfied At the Baltimore
convention Mr. ChaSes friends, including Governor
Dennson the presiding officer gave their strength to
Mr. Lincoln thus securing his denomination and eav
ing Mr. Chase out OF the Presidency
It IL well known that the relations between Mr.
Chase and Mr. Lincoln did not continue a. harmonious
their friends desired. soon after Mr.. Llnc0lns
denomination. Mr. Chase proposed 70 resign as secre
tary of the Treasury but persuaded 10 reconsider
his determination. Among those active IN the matter
was Governor Brough. OF Ohio When later in the
summer Mr. Chase again threatened 70 resign. Cover
nor Brough took the part OF mediator. William
Henry Smith then Secretary OF State under Governor
Brongh. and intimately acquainted With the circum-
stances relates in the work already referred TO- that
Governor BrOugh after talking the matter with
Secretary Chase and stanton called the President
and urged settlement that would retain the
services of Mr.. Chase in the Cabinet. Mr.. Lincoln
admitted the force OF all that Urged but finally
said with irmness . BrOugh. | think you had better
give mp the job this time" Mr. Cha-es resignation ~
Secretary OF the Treasury after accepted by
Mr. Lincoln.