Salmon P. Chase Quotes

Powerful Salmon P. Chase for Daily Growth

About Salmon P. Chase

Salmon Portland Chase (November 13, 1808 – May 7, 1873) was a prominent American politician, lawyer, jurist, and statesman who served as the sixth Chief Justice of the United States from 1864 to his death in 1873. Born in Cornish, New Hampshire, Chase moved with his family to Ohio in 1810, where he grew up and was educated. He attended the Kent School before studying law at Jefferson College (now Washington & Jefferson College) in Pennsylvania. Chase began his legal career in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he quickly gained a reputation as an excellent lawyer. His political career also took off; he served as the Attorney General of Ohio from 1849 to 1850, and then as a U.S. Senator from 1855 to 1861. Chase was a staunch abolitionist, advocating for the end of slavery long before it became a nationwide issue. During the Civil War, Chase served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln. In this role, he introduced the Legal Tender Act, which authorized the issuance of paper money to finance the Union war effort. After Lincoln's assassination, Chase ran unsuccessfully for president on the National Union ticket in 1864. Later that year, he was appointed Chief Justice by President Andrew Johnson. Chase is also known for his significant contributions to constitutional law, including his role in shaping the Fourteenth Amendment, which granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to former slaves. His major works include "The Criminal Procedure of the Supreme Court of the United States," "A Treatise on Political Economy," and "The Law of Bankruptcy." Chase's life was marked by his strong moral convictions, intellectual rigor, and dedication to the principles of democracy and equality. His legacy continues to influence American law and politics.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Justice is the constant and perpetual will to render to all their due."

Salmon P. Chase's quote, "Justice is the constant and perpetual will to render to all their due," emphasizes that justice is not a one-time event but an ongoing pursuit. It implies that we should strive consistently to ensure everyone receives what they are rightfully owed, whether it be rights, privileges, or obligations. This quote underscores the importance of fairness, impartiality, and equality in our society.

"The world has yet to see what I can do with the talent I was given."

This quote reflects a profound sense of ambition, self-belief, and optimism about one's potential. Salmon P. Chase implies that he is certain there are remarkable things awaiting realization as long as he gets the opportunity to use his talents, underscoring his readiness to make an impact on the world. It also suggests a determination to overcome challenges and achieve greatness through personal growth and hard work.

"I think we should do our utmost to avoid an unnecessary war, but if it cannot be avoided, we must get on with it."

This quote by Salmon P. Chase signifies a balanced approach towards conflict resolution. He emphasizes the importance of diplomatic efforts to prevent an unwanted war, yet acknowledges that sometimes such conflicts are inevitable. His statement suggests a readiness to act if negotiation fails, with the underlying belief that when faced with unavoidable circumstances, it is necessary to proceed and deal with the conflict head-on.

"Let us have peace."

Salmon P. Chase's quote, "Let us have peace," underscores a universal call for harmony and tranquility among individuals and nations. It suggests that in the face of conflict or disagreement, the pursuit of peaceful resolution should be prioritized over violence and discord. This sentiment transcends time and culture, reminding us that peace is essential for personal well-being, societal progress, and global unity.

"The preservation of the Constitution is the prescient duty of every man and woman in the country."

This quote underscores the importance of upholding the principles and values enshrined in the U.S. Constitution as a shared responsibility for every citizen, regardless of their status or role in society. In essence, it suggests that every individual has a duty to safeguard the fundamental rights and democratic ideals embodied in the Constitution to preserve the integrity and durability of American democracy.

A resignation is a grave act; never performed by a right minded man without forethought or with reserve.

- Salmon P. Chase

Never, Act, Grave, Resignation

And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of all mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God.

- Salmon P. Chase

Constitution, Sincerely, Almighty God

What you have said, Mr. President, fully satisfies me that you have given to every proposition which has been made, a kind and candid consideration. And you have now expressed the conclusion to which you have arrived, clearly and distinctly.

- Salmon P. Chase

Been, Which, Given, Satisfies

Once I should have been, if not satisfied, partially, at least, contented with suffrage for the intelligent and those who have been soldiers; now I am convinced that universal suffrage is demanded by sound policy and impartial justice.

- Salmon P. Chase

Sound, Been, Least, Universal Suffrage

The President then proceeded to read his Emancipation Proclamation, making remarks on the several parts as he went on, and showing that he had fully considered the whole subject, in all lights under which it had been presented to him.

- Salmon P. Chase

Been, Considered, Subject, Fully

The Proclamation does not, indeed, mark out exactly the course I should myself prefer. But I am ready to take it just as it is written, and to stand by it with all my heart.

- Salmon P. Chase

Myself, Prefer, Indeed, All My Heart

The law of the Creator, which invests every human being with an inalienable title to freedom, cannot be repealed by any interior law which asserts that man is property.

- Salmon P. Chase

Human Being, Creator, Which, Inalienable

I never refused my help to any person black or white; and I liked the office nonetheless because there were neither fees nor salary connected with it.

- Salmon P. Chase

Black, Fees, Refused, Neither

What can be indissoluble if a perpetual Union, made more perfect, is not?

- Salmon P. Chase

Perfect, More, Made, Perpetual

The child is pronounced pretty. I think it quite otherwise.

- Salmon P. Chase

Think, Pretty, Otherwise, Quite

All men are born equally free.

- Salmon P. Chase

Men, Born, Equally, Equality

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