Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-05-20
GGn, Tayl1r'S last Letter.

Baron ROUGE, April %, IS4S.
CAPT. ). s. ALLIsoN-D Dear Sir-A!y opinions
have recently been so often msconceived nd mis-
represented, that deem it due to mvsef, if not to
my friends, to make a brief exposition of them
upon topics to which you have called my attention
have consented to the use ofmy name as a can
!Gdate for the Presidacy. have frankly avowed
my own disrust ofmy fitness for that high station;
but, having, at the solicitation of many of nv
countrymen, taken my position a a candate. Go
not feel at liberty to surrender that position until
my friends manifest wish that | should retire
from 1t. | will then most gladly do so. | have
ino private purposes to ACCOMPLISHING party pro-
Jects to build uP--no enimies to punish-nohing o
to serve, but my country.
| have been very often addressed by letter.
and my opinions have been asked upon almost
every question that might occur 10 the writer's.
as affect the Interesting of their party. have not
always responded to their inquiries, for various
reasons.
confess, whilst have great cardinal principles.
which will regulate my political life, am not suf
icleniy familiar with all the minute details of po-
iiica legislation, to give solemn pledges to cxert
my influence, If were President. to carry out
this or defeat that measure. have no conceal
ment-l hold no opinion which would not read
ly proclaim to my assembled countrymen; but
crude Impressions upon matters of policy, which
!may be right to-day and wrong tomorrow, are.
perhaps, not the best tests of fitness for office.
One who clnnot be trusted without pledges, can.
mot be cOnided in, merely on account Of them
will proceed, however, now, to respond TO your
inquiries.
Ftrsf--l reiterate what have often said-I
am Whig, but not an utra-Whig. If elected, /
would not be the mere President of a party. /
wOuld endeavor TO act naS,enoeat of parry ocr1iu.
alton. | should feel bound to administer the Gov
ernnrent, untrammelled by party schemes.
Second-The Veto Power. The power given
;by the Constitution to the Executive to in;erpose
hIs veto Is a high conservative power, but in my
oPnIon, should never be exercised, except IN cases
of clear violation OF the Constitution, or manifest
haste and want Of consideration by Congress. In
deed, have thought that for many years past, the
known opinions and wishes fthe Executive, have
Exercised undue and injurious influence upon the
Legislative Department of the Government, and
from this cause | have thought our system was
n danger of undergoing a great change from It's
true theory. e personal opinions of The indiUid-
uaI a0tO naqy AlpPen TO occupy The Erecutjre Chair
Ought not 10 control The action of Congress upOr
questions Of Domestic Policy nor ought his objec-
tiORs tObs iaterposed cen guest ions of constitution
aI posyer hare been settled by the Uarjous Depart
menis of Government, and acguiesced in by the
People.
IHird-Upon the subject of the tariff, the cur
.rency, the improvement of our great highways,
rivers, lakes and harbors, the will Of the people,
las expressed through their representatives, in Con-
gross ought TO be respected and carried out by the
Executive.
Fourih-The Mexican War. I sincerIy rejoice
at the prospect of peace. My life has been devo-
ted 10 arms, yet look upon at all times and
,under all circumstances, a national calamity TO
be avoided if compatible with national honor
The principles Of our Government, as well as lis
true policy are opposed to the suPugaton of other
lnations and the dismeAberment Of other countries
10y conquest In the language of the great WASH
TNGToN, "why should we quit our own, to stand on
foreign ground.''
In the Mexican war, national honor has
been vindicaed, amply vindicated, and in debating
terms of peace, we may well afford 10 be forbear-
ling and even magnanimous to our fallen foe.
These are my opinions upou the subjects referred
Ito by you, and any reports publications, written
or verbal, from any source, differing in any essen
'tiai particulars from what is here written, un-
authorised and untrue.
do not know that shall again write upon the
Subject of national nnli,ics. shall enSrge in no
,scueuea. no combination. no intrgues. If the a.
3merican people have not confidence in M, they
|ought not to give me .heir suffrages. If they do
not, YOU know me well enough to believe me, when
Il declare that shall be content. am TO Old a
lsoldier to murmur against such high authority.
Il. TAYLOR.