The Arkansas banner., 1848-05-09
Gen. TaylOr'S Last.

Dear S1-My opinions have recently been SO of. ten miscosceived ard misrepresented, that deem 1t due 10 myself If not to my fri nds, to make brief exposition of them upon the topics to which you have called my attention.
 | have consented 10 the use of my name as a can diiate for the Presidency. | have frankly avowed my own distrnst of my fitness for tfat high station; but having, at the solicitation of many of my coun- trymen, taken my position as d candidate, do not feel at liberty 10 surrender that posi- ion until my
 friends manifest wish that should retire from it. l will then most ghtly do so. l have no private purposes to accomplish, no party projects to build up, no enemies Is punlSh-no'hng 10 serve but my country.
 | have been very Often addi essed by letter, and | my options have been asked upon almost every sues ion that might occur 10 the writers as affecting the inlercsts oi their party have not always tes- { bonded to these inquiri's, for various reasons. confess, whilst have great cardinal principles which will regulate my political life. am no, suiFi- cienty anlliir win all the minute details of polil- cal legislation to give solemn pledges 10 exert my influence, if were President to carry out this or ! defeat that neasure. l have no conceslment. hOld no opinion which would not readily proclaim to my assembled rount ymen; but crude impressions upon matters o policy, which may be right to-day and wrong to-norrow, ate, perhaps, not the best lest 0! ithess for office. One who cannot be ,rns- ted without pledges cannot he c0nfded in merely on accounl oi them.
 1 Twill proceed, however, now to respond to your inquiries. 1 tud.--I Teiterate what I have often said-l am a whig, but not an ultra whig. Ii elected would | not be the mere Preside nt ol party. would en- deavor to act independent of pal ty domination , should ieel bound to admgisteI the GoVelnme nt i uutfammelled by party schemes.
 | SecoadThe veto power The power given by tle constitution 10 the Executive 10 incrpose his Vtto is ligh conseIt aiWe power; but Tn my opIii- ion should never be exercised except in eases of clear violation ot the consultation, oI manifest haste and want oi com ideTItion by Congress. Indeed, have thought that, for many years past the knawn opinions and wi hes of the Executive have exercised undue and lnlnI Ious influence upon the legislative department of inc Government, and for this cause have thought our 2y.,cm was In danger of under going great change iion is true theory The per SOHdl OpinioRs of he iRdirldual WhO may happen 10 occupy The EleeUtioe cAait OaQht Hot 10 conrol the dcfpR of Congress upon 9vesi0RS of domestic policy nor 0uqm hs 0bjeciioas 10 be ineTposed hsfs ques- tions of consiificai poorer haze ttea settled 6 e uattoa5 depafimento ot GoUerHmeat and aequieseed a by ths pe0pie.
 Ihird.-Upon the subject of the tariff, the eurIen. cy, the improvement oi our great highways, rivers lakes and harbors, the will of the people, as ex- pressed through their Representatives in Conpress ought To be respected and carried out by the Execu. tive.
 f0mth-The Mexican war. l sincerely rejoice at the prospect of peace. My lie has been devoted 10 arms. yet look upon al all times and under al circumstances hs national calamity, to be avoi dcd fl compatible with national honor. The prin- cpes of onr Government as we'll as its true policy are opposed to the subugation 0f other nations and the d'sinenbeTmrnt of other countries by cong aast In the language Of the great Washington, "Mhy should we qlt ouI own to stand on foreign ground" In ihe Mexican war our national honor has been 'ihdicated, amply vindicatSd and in dictating iems oi peace We may we'll afford 10 be forbeailng and even masnahlnous to our fallen foe
 These are my opinions uDoD the suL,ectS referred To by you; and any reports publications, written or verbal, from any source, difering in any essen- hAl particular from what is here wriiten are unau- thoTized and untrue.
 do not know that shall again write upon inc subject of hA'iohaI politics. l shall engage in 10. schemes, no combinations no alrigaes. Ii the Amr- can people have not confidence In me they ought not to give ne helr sufrages. If they do not, soa know me well enengh 10 believe me when dee lare sha'l be content. l too old d soldier 10 Inar. mar, asalast such high authority
 z. TAYLOR
 To Capt. J S ALLISON