It would be interesting to see the quote in context and find out what was left out by the ellipsis. But even with the partial quote it's hard to disagree with Chief Justice Chase. Secession isn't treason as defined by the Constitution. But rebellion is. And that's what led to the Davis treason indictment.
If Washington, Jefferson and Adams were right, so were Lee, Davis and Jackson.
Washington, Jefferson, and Adams won. Lee, Davis, and Jackson lost. Winning your rebellion excuses a multitude of sins.
I find it odd, that Conservatives would ever agree with the expansion of the Federal government and if secession was not the legal domain of the states, why did states including New York and Rhode Island have secession powers written in to their state constitutions?
I don't think they have it written into their state constitutions,especially Rhode Island which didn't adopt a constitution until 1842. But even if they did, it's the U.S. Constitution "..and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof...shall be the supreme Law of the Land...any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding." The Constitution does not allow for unilateral secession as was attempted by the Southern states.
Lincoln made illegal war on the South.
Lincoln fought the war the South forced on him.
By threatening to sever the financial jugular of New York.