Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1847-07-15
From the Cincinnati Signal.
Gen. Taylor and the Presidency.

We perceive, in various quarters, the nomina-
ton of General Zachary Taylor for the presi-
dency So far as such a demonstration is the
mere transport Of military. enthusiasm, or the
trick of political faction, it would be unwor-
thy of notice but we think it evident that this
movement Of the public mind has much higher
character, and grows out of conviction that
General Taylor has displayed an energy and wis
dom of conduct, and modesty of demcanor,
which are Us requisite 10 the deliberations OF a
cabinet as the plan of a campaign. 1t is great
mistake to suppose that the people are blinded
In their political preferences by the bare fact OF
military achievement 1t was the popular i'm
pulses and stern honesty of Andrew jackson
which aroused the sympathy and trust of the ma
ton; and we predict that, whatever skill or sue
cess may attend the march of Gen. Scot. to Mex
leo, he will never excite the attachment or conf
dence which follows the hero of Buena VISTA
We are not surprised therefore, that ardent spr-
It's are calling for the sword of General Taylor
TO cut the Gordlan knot of political intrigues-
But 1t is far different question whether his name
and fame shall be made an instrument of mere
partisan warfare. In this respect, there is dis
tncton which we confident General Taylor
VIII be among the first to perceive and act upon,
and which we hope to illustrate in the few re-
marks that we feel constrained to make in refer.
ence to existing and future agitation OF this sub.
ject.
What an envable rank in the eyes of the
world, and the hearts Of his countrymen, Gen.
Taylor now holds! Should he return from the
fields of the Rio Grande and the heights Of the
Sierra Madre, with what affection and respect
would he be greetedby men of all parties HIM
sell never polticlan-content in the quiet dis
charge OF duty and the enjoyments of domestic
liie-and while prompt to meet the Indian foe,
IN prairie or eyerglade, and to stand by the flag
xVhp nd cd
TIER, yet devoted, as all accounts represent him,
to that home and family, in the bosom of which
the intervals of his life, thus far have passed
peacefully and bappily-we confess that our i'm.
pressions of Gen. Taylor are such, that we should
not be surprised is he firmly disregarded every
acclamation which connected his name with the
presidency. Should he do so, he jeoparGs moth
ing OF the present spring-tide of popular favor.
nay, more, he takes instant rank with Washing
.on' as an unconscious but eloquent preacher of
political morals. How much more enviabe such
a destiny Tor the evening of his DAYS. than TO
cast the mantle of his military fame and private
virtues over the excuses and corruptions which
dlshgure the party politics of the day He is no
friend 10 the reputation of General Taylor who
would thus seek TO restrict the applause of the
whole country to the interested clamor of a party.
Still, as a citizen Of free republic, General
Taylor is in the hands of the American people ;
"hu "o Sui lcuulIy ildBihe d contingency IN
which 1t would become his duty to assent to the
demand of the country, and assume the respon-
slbilltes of political life. But II must be the re-
QUESTION OF The country, not of this or that set OF
office'seekers, which will call him either from his
rank or his fireside. 1t must be such call as
compelled Washington TO iorego the retirement
OF Mount Vernon unanimous, disinterested, the
voice OF the people, not the batteries of poi-
clans. We believe that it is in General Tay lor's
power, at this juncture of the national politics,
to take INDEPENDENT GROUND, and become the
PRESIDENT OF THE PEOPLE! Our support OF
him, or of any other man, shall never be pledged
in advance of full knowledge of the principles
and views with which he would assume that re
sponslble station; but we may be allowed, as an
independent journalist, to indicate some of the
signs OF the times which point to the result just
mentioned.
i; The presidential canvass of 1913 is in utter
confusion. Among the Wings, Pittsburg meet
"s dominates Judge Mclean, who Is also under