Year: 1868

The Conservative Movemenr-Chnse as the


Nominee Of the Democratic Party-His Sym.
pathy with the Democratic Party-The


Slavery Question-Homestead Policy-Lauds


for the Landlsss-Cheap Postase-Discipline


In the Navy-Anerican Enterprise-A Tribute


70 Jefferson.


WASHINGTON, June %, 1858.


The efforts now being MADE to rally the conserva-
tive element OF the country In one grand effort to
rescue the government from the hands of
those who have 30 grossly misused its powers
during the past four years must meet with
the hearty endorsement Of every citizen who
holds at heart the future prosperity and success
OF our institutions. The vindication OF the national
character OF our constitution against the theory
maintained by the secessionists OF 1850 led to the
organization OF powerful political element in the
country which stood ready to defend its principles
In the legitimate and peaceful means of legislation
possible, or in the clash Of conending armies ne
cessary This element, arrayed against the heresies
when sprung out of the slave oligarchy Of
the South concentrated in Its operations
the support or the greatest and the best nteects In
the land. recurrence to the events which preceded
the uprising OF the loyal people OF the North when
the gage OF battle was fairly placed before them Will
bring to mind the names OF many who previously
had constituted the directing influence of the demo-
cratic party. Foremost among those who turned
from the restraints OF party to the broader field of
statesmanshlp which saw in the contest about to be
1naugurated but the alternatives subversion OF the
democracy Of our institutions or the vindication
before the world OF the strength and permanency Of
republican government, was the man who now
figures in the eyes Of the nation as the embodiment
OF all those great qualities necessary In the leader of
the great movement looking to the complete rehabi-
htation Of our governmental affairs upon durable
hoQio Vnot
Justice, as is known. heartily sympathizes with the
efforts being made to place the rens Of government
In the hands Of those who will prove more
capable Of the important responsibility of en-
forcing the constitution and the laws IN
the spirit Of moderation designed by that
instrument. His own name mentioned in connec-
ton with this high duty as the nominee for the Presi
dency is accepted by him as mark Of the highest
honor, and though he does not count the ofce if
IL offered to him his acceptance will be the consum-
nation OF political revolution promising new era
and period OF tranquility.


Some shafow-pated politicians take great delight
In displaying their ignorance by attacking the record
OF Chief Justice Chase incon with the de-
mocratic creed This class belongs to that factous
element without which the democratic party ere this
would have made great strides to repOssesson of
political power. Mr.. Chase belonged to that enlght-





party because it was evident to him as well as to
thousands Of others that the party had deserted its
principles or failed in Its mission. The experience
of the party during the past eight years brought
IL Is to be hoped, sufficient number OF its leaders
up to the opportunities of the present in order to
control the party operations Of the coming cam
pagn.


review OF the career OF Chief Justice Chase
ecits the fact that only has he always been con-
sisent in his political views which Of the genu-
inc Jeers0nian stamp, but he has also been identified
throughout with oil the progressive and popular leg
slative measures OF his day.


In regard TO his political views, in letter printed
in 1s4e, also in the Congressional Globe OF 1880 Mr.
Chase says


am democrat unreservedly, and i feel ear
nesty soictOus for the success OF the democratic
ganization and the triumph OF its principles. The
doctrines OF the democracy the subject OF trade
currency and special privileges command the entire
assent OF my judgment. But cannot, while boldly
asserting their principles with reference TO these
subjects, shrink from their Just application to
slavery


On the question OF slavery he made use OF the fol-
lowing language in a letter to Daniel O'Connel in
November, 1s43:-


The [federall Convention therefore, did not think
fit to confer any express power the national Con-
gress to abolish slavery in the states by direct ecis-
latiOn They recognized the fact that slavery exist
ed in some OF the States In several constitutional





cOgnition Of its rightfulness and 10 vest In Congress
no power to establish continue II anywhere.
Slavery is therefore, under the constitution strictly
the creature of State legislation. No person. under
any act OF Congress, can be cOnstuiOnally reduced
to slavery No person, under any act Of Congress,
can be constitutOnaly held as slave for a single
moment anywhere within the range Of exclusive
tiona jurisdiction. '.


Again, In letter written In l849 Mr.. Chase said:-.


The free democracy believe In non-intervention
with slavery, such as the constitution requires non
Intervention by Congress with the legislation Of the
States on the subject Of slavery.


In speech I'm the Senate March 20 and 27, 1850,
Mr.. Chase said that the responsibilities Of Congress
were limited by its powers, and added, I'VE have
no power TO legsate on the subject OF slavery in the
states. Our duty Is. therefore, to alb
stain from interference with II In the States.
ro.,,,o Texas came In IN is4S not as
slavery was never under the control OF Congress-.
Tie existence or slavery there was objection to
and admitted as state, her internal legislation on
that subject was much beyond the reach OF the
national government as before. While shall
steadily support all proper legislation for the estab
sament and security OF freedom In the Territories
and elsewhere within the sphere Of exclusive ma
tional Jurisdiction. shall rs steadily refuse my
support TO all legislation on the subject OF slavery
within the States"


la the homestead movement Mr. Chase took a
leading part. His policy in these measures viii be
seen by the following extract


Mr.. Chase presented resolutions Of the ohio Legs-
latnre in favor OF the enactment OF law granting
lands to actual settlers. Mr. Chase said he had
presented resolutions during his term OF service
with more unfeigDed pleasure than these. al fully
accord with their whole doctrine. They pro-
pose to arrest the disposition OF the public lands by
sale. They propose, what Is OF more Importance at
lands To actual settlers in the several States where
the lands lie. A more benencent, a more wise, a
more Just measure, In my Judgment has never been
commended TO the consideration OF the American
Congress. Upon all occasions shall give II my
hearty support; and rejoice that the Legislature OF
my own great State has been the first TO recommend
It, by strong vote, to the National Legislature
Mr.. Walker or Observation-Disclosures is ahead OF
you.
Mr.. Chase-My friend from Wisconsin suggests that
his state is ahead Of Ohio in this respect. am not
sorry to hear it.-Tn Senate, Dec. 13, 1882
On the sd OF March, 1853, during the same session
Mr.. Chase made an appeal for action upon the Home
stead BILL
'No vote has yet been taken,' he said (Which furi
nishes a fair expression OF the Senate upon that
great measure. IL is dear to the hearts OF va ..
number OF the people Of the country 1t Ia dear to
my own heart, and am extremely anxious the
shall %