As Lincoln said, Chase got the presidential bug, and once you get it, you don’t lose it. His circuit happened to include Virginia, where he could go down and try cases. The last thing he wanted to do was alienate the people in the returning states. He knew this was going to be very divisive and kept it from being tried for a good long while and undermined the prosecution once it looked like it might actually go to trial. He privately insinuated to one of the defense lawyers that the 14th amendment would shield Davis from prosecution. There are signs that everybody knows what Chase is doing is improper, but he’s doing it anyway.
Also, the Johnson Administration wanted to build up its support among Southern Democrats and trying Davis wasn't the way to do it.
I believe you. Washington DC has been ran by influence sellers and traders for a long time.
As Lincoln said, Chase got the presidential bug, and once you get it, you don’t lose it. His circuit happened to include Virginia, where he could go down and try cases. The last thing he wanted to do was alienate the people in the returning states.
Speculative. Might be correct, but an opinion is not proof. It is also possible that Chase did not believe secession was treason.
Also, the Johnson Administration wanted to build up its support among Southern Democrats and trying Davis wasn't the way to do it.
Also likely true.