The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1848-05-02
HIGHLY IMPORTANT LETTER FROM
GENERAL TAYLOR.

We md In the New Orleans Picdyune oil the
25th ult.. the following highly interesting and
important letter from GENERAL TAYLOR, in
which he frankly avows his opinions in relation
to the several great matters connected with the
Presidency, and the course he will pursue if
elected to that station. We do not know when
we have enjoyed more pleasure than we have
in laying this letter before our readers this
morning. The Picayuns in introducing it to
the public says: "The numerous misrepresen-
ia,ions of Gen. Taylor's opinions upon ques-
tons of public policy, which have been put in
circulation by persons who assumed to speak
from authority, have induced him to address a
letter to Capt. Allison, his brother-in law, in
which he takes occasion tospeak more atlarge
of political topics than he has hitherto DONE
This letter has been handed us for publication,
and it defines, oneefor all, the Generals posi-
ton in regard to the Presidency. and the
issues which lie at the base of party organiza-
ton.
II will be seen that Gen. Taylor reiterates,
what has so often before been declared, that he
is wing, but not an ultra one. He rejects, i'm
the sternest terms, the idea of President OF
the United States being the mere instrument
of party. He will not consent to take Office as
a propagandist. He is for taking the conslitu-
ton as a guide rather than the creeds of con-
ventions or the dicta Of political clubs. He Is
for leaving to Congress the things which be-
long 10 the legislative department, and confn-
ing the Executive to the matters entrusted to
him by the constitution. He refuses to change
his attitude towards the Presidency in any rar-
ticular-leaving it to those who obtained his
consent to be a candidate for that Office to do
in the premises what shall seem to them
best.
We regard this document as not only inter
esting to Gen. Taylor's friends, but important
to the public at large, as embodying sound po-
litical truths. The most momentuous topic
embraced in it is the relative positions and du-
tiesof the legislative & executive departments.
1t must be conceded that the increasing defer
ence paid by Congress to the will Of the Exec
u,i~e has been regarded by many of our wisest
statesmen with alarm, and the implied obliga-
ton of the President to carry out the views OF
a nominating convention has at times serious
ly interfered with his independence and i'm
paired his ability to do good. 1t was never
contemr lated by the trainers of the constitu-
ton that President should be trammelled by
Pledges or bound down to party manifesto
which is generally drawn up with reference to
accidental states of public. feeling or topics Of
transient excitement; much less did it enter
the mind Of our revolutionary patriots that
Congress should in any wise be subservient to
the Executive or controlled by the opinions oil
his Cabinet. In so far as the National Legisla.
ture is warped by the influence or the persua-
sion Of power, does Congress fall from the dig
niRed position assigned it BY the constitu-
ton.
But we shall not detain the reader with com.
ment upon paper which will attnct universe
| attention. @,
BAroN RoUGE, April %, 1913.
DEAR SHINY opinions have recently been
so often misconceived and misrepresented. thai
| deem il due TO myself, ii not to my friends L
make brief exposition of them upon the top
les TO which you have called my attention.
4 lhave consented 10 the use of my name as
j candidate for the Presidency. have frankl.
ayowed my own distrnst of my fitness for tha
high station; but having, at the solicitation o.
many of my countrymrn, taken my position
las candidate. do not feel al liberty to sur
4 render that position until my friends nantes
10 t-b hat tsb IA al
i most gladly do so. l have no private purpose
to accomplish, no party projects 10 build up
no enemies to punish-nothing TO serve blu
my country.
II have BEEN very often addressed BY letter
|, and my opinions have been asked upon almos
levery question that might occur to the writer
E as affecting the interests of th~ir country o
their party. | have not always responded L
these inquiries for various reasons.
confess, whilst ! have great cardinal princi
y pies which will regulate my political life, an
: not sufficiently familiar with all the minut,
details Of political legislation TO give sole mi
pledges 10 exert my influence, if were Presi
> dent, 10 carry out this or defeat that measure
have no concealment. l hold no opinion
which would not readily proclaim to my as
sembled countrymen; but crude impression
upon matters of policy, which may be righ
to-day, and wrong tomorrow, are, perhsp
e not the best test of fitness for Office. On
: who cannot be trusted without pledges Can
al not be conilled in merely on account c
Il Ihem.
I ! win proceed, however, now to respond t
your inquiries.
81 First reiterate what have often said
: am whig, but not an ultra wing. II eIecte
\ would not be the mere President Of a party
would endeavor to act independent Of part
y domination. | should feel bound to admins
!, ter the Government untrammelled by part
I Ische mes
Second. The veto power. The power Civ
en- by the constitution TO the Executive TO in
terpose his veto, is high conservative pewer
but in my opinion should never be exercise,
Except ia cases OF clear violation OF the consti
:, tuition, or manifest haste and want of consider