The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-07-10
Gen. Taylor and the Presidency.

Gen. Taylor and the Presidency.
We perceive, in various quarters, the
nomination Of Gen. Zachary Taylor fol-
the Presidency. So far as such a de-
monstration is the mere transport o.
military enthusiasm, or the trick of pc.
litical faction, it would be unworthy OIL
notice; but we think it evident that this
movement of the public mind has a
much higher character-and grows out
of a conviction that Gen. Taylor has
displayed ar energy and wisdom Of
conduct, end a modesty of demeanor,
which are as requisite to the delibera-
tons of a cabinet as the plan Of a cam
paign. 1t is a great mistake to sup
pose that the people are blinded in their
political preferences by the bare fact of
military achievement.
1t was the popular impulses and the
stern honesty of Andre jackson which
aroused the sympathy and trust Of the
nation, and we predict that, whatever
skill or success may attend the march
Of Gen. Scott TO Mexico, he will never
excite the attachments or confidence
which follows the hero of Buena Vista.
We are not surprised, therefore, that
ardent spirits are calling for the sword
Of Gen. Taylor to cut the Gordian knot
Of political intrigues. But it is a far
different question, whether his name
and fame shall be made an instrument
Of moro partiznn warfare In this re-
spect, there is a distinction, which we
are confident Gen. Taylor will be a.
mong the first to perceive and act upon,
and which we hope to illustrate in q
few remarks that we feel constrained
to make in reference to the existing
and future agitation OF this subject.
What an enviable rank in the eyes
of the world, and the hearts Of his coun-
trymen, Gen. Taylor now holds!-
Should he return from the fields of the
Rio Grande and the heights of Sierra
Madre, with what affection and respect
would he be greeted by men Of all par
ties! Himself never a politician con
tent in the quiet discharge of duty and
the enjoylnents of domestic liie-and
while prompt TO meet the Indian foe,
in prairie or everglade, and to stand by
the flag of the country, when advanced
to a foreign frontier, 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 happily--ws confess
that OIL impressions of Gen. Taylor
are such, that we should not be sur
prised, if he firmly disregarded every
reclamation which connected his name
with the Presidency. Should he do so,
he jeopards nothing of the present
spring.tide Of popular favor-nay,m more,
he takes instant rank with Washington,
as an unconscious but eloquent preach
err of the highest political morals. How
much more enviable such a destiny for
the evening Of his days, than to cast
the mantle ofhis military fame and pri-
vate virtues over the excuses and cor
ruptions which disfgure the party poll
tics of the day! He is nc friend to the
reputation of Gen. 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 a free republic,
Gen. Taylor is in the hands of the A.
merican people, and we can readily
imagine a contingency in which it
would become his duty to assent to the
demand Of the country, and assume the
responsibilities of political life. But it
must be the requisition Of the country,
not of this or that set Of Office seekers,
which will call him, either from his rank
or his freside. 1t must be such a call
as compelled Washington to forego the
retirement of Mount Vernon--unani-
nous, disinterested, the voice Of the
people, not the batteries Of politicians.
We believe that it is in Gen. Taylor's
power, at this juncture Of the national
politics, to take independent ground,
and become the President of the Peo-
pie! Our support Of him, or any other
man, shall never be pledged in advance
Of a full knowledge Of the principles
and views with which he would assume