Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-05-10
The following letter from Gen. Taylor to his
brother-inaw, Capt. Allison, appears in the N. o.
Picayune:
LETTER FROM GEN. TAYLOR.
R.-o D.

| DAToN ROGUE, April %, lS4S.
DEAR SIR,-My opinions have recently been S,
o't9h msconcelved and misrepresented that deem
!" que to myself, If not TO my friends, to make
ol,ei exposition OF them upon the topics to which
you have called my attention
have consented to the use of nv name as can
oida'e for the Presidency l have frankly avowed
my own dlstrust of my fitness for that high station
but having, at the solicitation of MANY Of nv coun
trymen, taken my position as candidate, / do not
feel at liberty to surrender that position until nv
irlends manifest wish that | should retire from
1t. Will thon most gladly do So | have no pri-
vate purposes to accomplish no party projects 10
ouiid np, no enemies to punish-nothing to serve
but my country.
have been very often addressed by letter. and
my opinions have been asked upon almost eyery
question that might occur to the writers as affecting
lhe interests OF their country or their party have
not always responded to these INQUIRIES for yarious
reasons
confess, whilst | have great cardinal PRINCIPLES
which will regulate my political life. | am not suf
hcienly familiar with all the minute details of no.
htlcal Legislation to give solemn pledges TO exert
my influence, If were President, to carry out this
or defeat that measure. have no concealment
hold no oPlonon which | would not readily pro
claim to my assembled countrymen: but crude i'm
presslons upon matters ofpocy, which may be right
to-day and wrong Tomorrow, are, perhaps not the
best test OF fitness for office. One who cannot he
trusted without pledges be coalided in mere
ly on account of them.
will proceed, however, now to respond TO your
inquiries.
First reiterate what have often said-I am
Wing, but not an ultra Whip. If elected I
would not be the mere President of party.
would endeavor to act independent of party domino
Hon. should feel bound to administer the Govern
ment untramelled by party schemes.
Second.-The veto power. The power given by
The constitution TO the Executive nterpose his We
10, is high conservative power but in my opinion
snouia never he exercised except in cases OF clear
violation or The constitution, or manifest haste and
want OF consideration by Congress- Indeed L have
thought that, for many years past the known opin-
ions and wishes of the Executive have exercised
undue and Injurious influence upon the legislative
department OF the Government; and for this cause
L have thought our system was in the danrer of I'M
dergolng great change from lis true theory. The
personal opinions Of the indiUidual tcho ,nay han
pen TO occupy the EGccmiue chair ought not 10 con-
trot The action Of Congress upon questions of doDcs
TIC policy; nor ought his objections be iisteyposed
'chere questions Of constitutional ,o,oer haze been
settled by The ca''ious departments of Government
and acq,,iesced in by hepeople.
lhlrd.-Upon the subject of the tariff the cur
rency, the Improvement of our great highways. ri
vers, lakes and harbors the will of the people. as
expressed through their Representatives in Con
gress, ought to be respected and carried out by the
/ Executive.
| Fourth.-The Mexican war | sncerelv rejoice
at the prospect Of peace. My life has been devo-
ted to arms, yet look upon war at all times and
under all circumstances as a national calamity. TO
be avoided if compatible with national honor The
principle OF our Government as well as its true no
icy are opposed to the subiugaton of other nations
and the ACKNOWLEDGMENT of other countries by con-
quest. In the language Of the great Washington,
''Why should we quit own TO stand on ioreirn
ground" In the Mexican war our national honor
has been vindicated, amply indicated and in die
tating terms of peace may well afford to be for
bearing and even magnanmous to our fallen foe.
These are my opinions upon the subjects referred
TO by you; and my reports publications, written
or verbal, from any source, differing in any essen
tlal particular from what is now written, are unau
thorized and untrue.
do not know that shall again write upon the
subject of national politics. | shall engage in no
schemes, no combinations, no intrigues If the A
merican people have not confidence in me. they
ought not to give me their suffrages If they do
not, you know me well enough to believe me when
l declare snail be content. | am too old soldier
to murmur against such high authority.
H. TAYLOR
To Capt. J. S. ALLISON