deceased

şey,

Abraham Lincoln

NOMINATED TO BE CHIEF-JUSTICE.

513

labor and care. This I long for, and hope soon to have.-Our cause is now, I hope, beyond all danger, and when Grant goes into Richmond my task is ended. To you and others it will remain to secure the fruits of victory, and see that they do not turn to ashes.-In respect to affairs here, nothing of any consequence is on foot. Your experience has taught you that the newspaper reports are all lies, invented by knaves for fools to feed on. This is especially true in respect to Cabinet changes and the chief-justiceship. Changes in the Cabinet will of course take place, but they will be made in time and manner that no one will be looking for. In regard to the chief-justiceship, I learn from outside sources that Swayne is the most active and Blair the most confident of the candidates. My belief is that you will be offered the appointment, if it has not already been done. ... Yours truly, EDWIN M. STANTON."

The Nomination.

**EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, December 6, 1864.

To the Senate of the United States:

"I nominate Salmon P. Chase, of Ohio, to be Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States vice Roger B. Taney, deceased. "ABRAHAM LINCOLN."

THE ACTION OF THE SENATE.

The Senate at once, and without a reference, unanimously confirmed the nomination.

Mr. Chase to the President.

"WASHINGTON, December 6, 1864.

".... On reaching home to-night I was saluted with the intelligence that you have this day nominated me to the Senate for the office of ChiefJustice.

"Before I sleep I must thank you for this mark of your confidence, and especially for the manner in which the nomination was made. I will never forget either, and trust you will never regret either. Be assured that I prize your confidence and good-will more than nomination to office.

33

CHAPTER XLVII.

MR. CHASE AND THE WAR-RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION.

THE

To Rev. J. M. Reid, Cincinnati.

“WASHINGTON, January 23, 1865.

HE question of the reconstitution of the rebel States as members of the Union, is immediately upon us. Citizens of Louisiana and Arkansas are asking the readmission of their States under constitutions which deny to the masses of the loyal people in each the right of suffrage. It seems to me that it would hardly be a greater crime to continue slavery itself than to leave the only class which, as a class, has been loyal, unprotected by the ballot. Many of them have taken up arms for the country; many of them have lost sons and brothers fighting for the cause; and now it is proposed to confine the right of suffrage to the whites, which will enable them to make all sorts of invidious and unjust discriminations; nor will they be slow to do so. This may, and I fear will, produce a worse convulsion than that through which we are now passing; for God will hardly allow so great an injustice to go unpunished.

To John Bigelow, U. 8. Minister at Paris.

"WASHINGTON, March 18, 1865.

"The rebellion seems to be near its end. I do not forget that I thought so before, when McClellan was marching upon Richmond, and when Grant last spring began his advance. But the evidence is much clearer and stronger now. Indeed, it looks to me as if the gradual closing of the Union armies around Lee must soon compel his surrender. I should hardly be surprised to see it come without a battle. What a crown that would be of Grant's career!...'

To the President.

"BALTIMORE, April 11, 1865.

"When all mankind are congratulating you, one voice, heard or not, is

of little account; but I add mine.

PRINCIPLES OF RECONSTRUCTION.

515

"I am very anxious about the future; and most about the principles which are to govern reconstruction; for as these principles are sound or unsound, so will be the work and its results.

"You have no time to read a long letter, nor have I time to write one; so I will be brief.

"And first as to Virginia.

"By the action of every branch of the Government we are committed to the recognition and maintenance of the State organization of which Governor Pierpont is the head. You know all the facts, recapitulation would be useless. There will be a pressure for the recognition of the rebel organization on condition of profession of loyalty. It will be far easier and wiser, in my judgment, to stand by the loyal organization already recognized.

"And next as to the other rebel States.

"The easiest and safest way seems to me to be the enrollment of the loyal citizens without regard to complexion, and encouragement and support to them in the reorganization of State governments under constitutions securing suffrage to all citizens of proper age and unconvicted of crime. This, you know, has long been my opinion. It is confirmed by observation more and more.

"This way is recommended by its simplicity, facility, and, above all, justice. It will be hereafter counted equally a crime and a folly if the colored loyalists of the rebel States are left to the control of restored rebels, not likely, in that case, to be either wise or just, until taught both wisdom and justice by new calamities.

"The application of this principle to Louisiana is made somewhat difficult by the organization which has already taken place; but, happily, the Constitution authorizes the Legislature to extend the right of suffrage; and it is not to be doubted that, on a suggestion from the national authorities, that its extension to colored citizens, on equal terms with white citizens, is believed to be essential to the future tranquillity of the country as well as just in itself, the Legislature will promptly act in the desired direction.

"What reaches me of the condition of things in Louisiana impresses me strongly with the belief that this extension will be of the greatest benefit to the whole population.

"The same result can be secured in Arkansas by an amendment of the State constitution, or, what would be better, I think, by a new convention, the members of which should be elected by the loyal citizens, without distinction of color. To all the other States, the general principle may be easily applied.

"I most respectfully but most earnestly commend these matters to your attention. God gives you a great place and a great opportunity. May He guide you in the use of them!

"I noticed this morning your proclamation closing the ports, and was