The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-06-24
Gen. Taylor's Political Opin-
". ions.


The following is the letter from Gen. Tny-
Tor i'll answer to inquiries made of him by
Capt. Alison,and in correction ofcertan mis-
representations of his opinions: ..
BATON ROUGE, April %, 1s4s.
Dear Sir-My opinions have recently been
so often misconceived and nisrepresented,
that deem it due to myself if not to my
friends, TO mike brief exposition of them
upon the topics to which you have called my
attention.
have consented to the use of my name as
n candidate for the Presidency. l have frank
ly avowed my own distrust of my fitness for
that high station; but having, at the solicita-
ton ofmany of my countrymen, taken my
position as candidate, ] do not feel at liber-
~ to surrender that position until my friends
manifest wish that should retire from it.
will then most gladly do SO. have no pri-
vate purposes to build up,uo enemies TO pun
ish-nolhing to serve but my country
have been very often addressed by letter.
and my opinions have been asked upon al
most every question that might occur to the
writer's rs affecting the interests of their coun-
try or their party. have not always respon-
ded TO these inquiries, for various reasons.
i confcss,whilst nave greut cardinal prin-
cples which will regulate my political life,
am not sufficiently familiar with all the minute
details of political legislation to give solemn
pledges to exert my influence, if were Pres
ident, to carry ont this or defeat that measure.
have no concealment. i hold no opinion
which would not readily procluim TO my
assembled countrymen; but crude impress
sions upon matters of policy, which may be
right today and wrong tomorrow, are, per-
hhps not the best test of fitness for office.
One who cannot he trusted without pledges,
pledges, cannot be confided in merely on &c
count of them. l will proceed, however,
row TO respond to your inquiries.
Frst--l reilerate what have offer said
] am Wing, but not an ultra Wing. If
lected would not he the mere President of
apurty Il would endeavor to act Indepen-
dent of party domination. should feel
bound 10 administer the Government I'M
trammelled by party schemes.
Sccond--'Fhe veto power. The power
given by the constitution to the Executive to
the interpose his veto, is high conservative
power; but in my opinion should never be
exercised except in cases of clear violation
of the constitution, or manifest haste and
want of consideration by Congress. Indeed,
have thought that for many years past, the
known opinions and wishes of the Executive
have exercised undue and injurious influence
upon the legislative department of the gov
ernment and for this cause ] have thought
our system was in danger of undergoing a
great changes from its true theory. The per-
sonal opinions of the individual who may
happen to occupy the Executive chair, ought
not to control the action of Congress upon
questions of domestic policy; nor ought his
objections to be interposed where questions
Unconstitutional power have been settled by
the various departments Of government and
acquiesced in by the people. rnr. = ..
Third-Upon the subject of the tariff, the
currency the improvement four great high
ways, rivers, lakes, and harbors, the will of
the people, as expressed through their repre-
>seutatives in Congress, ought to be respected
and carried out by the Executive.
Fourth-The Mexican War. sincerely
rejoice at the prospect ofpeace. My life has
been devoted to arms, yet look upon war at
AL tmesand under all circumstances as n ma
iiional calamity, to be avoided if compatible
with national honor. The principles of our
government as well as its true policy are OPP
posed to the subiugation of other nations,
and the ACKNOWLEDGMENT ofother countries by
conquest.
In the language of Washington, "Why should
we quit our own to stand on foreign ground?"
In the Mexican War our national honor has
been indicated, amply vindicated, and in
debating terms of peace we may well afford
to be forbearing and even magnanimous to
our fallen foe.
These are my opinions upon the subjects
referred to by you; and any reports or publ
cations, written or verbal, from any source,
differing in any essential particular from
what is here written, are unauthorized and
untrue.
do not know that shall again write upon
the subject of national politics. shall engage
in no schemes,no combinations, no intrigues.
1.-THE American people have not confidence
in me they ought motto give me their suf
RACES. H,they do not, you know me well e.
nough to believe me when declare shall
be content. am too old soldier to MUIR
muir against such high authority.
u. TAYLOR
To Cant. J. S. Alison.