This was a species of tactics not unknown to political parties, and might be used with great effect if Mr.Chase should be the nominee.

The astute men who advocated his selection saw that the great need of the Democracy was to secure a candidate who had been unquestionably loyal during the war, and who at the same time was not offensive to Southern feeling.

The prime necessity of the party was to regain strength in the North--to recover power in that great cordon of Western States which had for so many years prior to the rebellion followed the Democratic flag.

The States that had attempted secession were assured to the Democracy as soon as the party could be placed in National power, and to secure that end the South would be wise to follow the lead of New York as obediently as in former years New York had followed the lead of the South.

It was a contest which involved the necessity of stooping to conquer.
The Chief Justice was, so far as his position would permit, active in his own behalf.