Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-05-12
TUESDAY EVENING, MAY o, 1s4s.
GENERAL TAYLoR,s LAST LETTER.

neral 1dytOr's latest, and as he intmates in the
probably his final letter respecting
his political opinions and his position as Can
didate for the Presidency To say nothing of the
small talk about not being "the President Of a
a Party" (Which he of course mould be of the
" Taylor Party" in any. EVENT. the affirmative
opinions given by the General, though not vary
ing materially from what he has heretofore shad-
owed forth, are good and sound. The Veto he
would not exercise, except in a case Of clear
violation Of the Constitution" &c, and the sub
jccts of the Tariff, Internal improvements and
the Currency, he would leave exclusively to Con-
gres. He administers pretty keen rebuke of
the practice which has grown into such favor
with Locofoco Presidents. of arguing with Con-
gress the "personal opinions" of 6" the individ-
ual who may happen to occupy the Executive
Chair" and thinks it dangerous and objcc-
tionabe. So does every body.
We hardly think the Generals letter will af
feet his chances fcr tho :.orr, ton at Philadel-
phia, one way or the other Fit were ten times
more explicit than i, Is, as the spectator in the
Gallery of the French Chamber of Deputies ON
inously said, when it was proposed to make the
Count of Paris King, 4" il is TOO iate!"
| BATON RoNGE. April 90, 1913.
DEAR SfR--My opinions have recently been so often
| misconceved and msrepresented that deem it due
to myself it not to my friends, to make n bret expo
ston of them upon the topics to which you have called
my attention.
Ihave consented to the use of my name as candi-
date for the Presidency. have frankly avowcd my
own dstrust of my fitness for that high station but
having at the solicitation OF many of my countrymen,
taken my position ns candidate, do not feel at lib
cry TO surrender that position until my friends mani
fest wish tina, should retire from IT, J will then
most gladly do So have no private purposes to ac-
con1psh party projects to bald up, no enemies to
punisl--nothing to serve but my country.
have been very often addressed by letter, and my
opinions have been asked upon almost every question
that might to the writers as affecting the int
rests of then country their party. | have not
always responded to their inquiries, for various
sons.
| confess whilst | have great cardinal principles
which will regulate my political life am not suiii-
cently familiar with all the minute details OF poitca
legislation TO give solemn pledges to exert my infu-
ence, If were President, to carry out this deiea
that measure. ! have no concealment. | hold nc
opinion which | would not readily proclaim to my
assembled countrymen; but crude impressions upoI
matters of policy, which may be right oday ant
wrong tomorrow, are, perhaps not the best test Of
fitness for office. One who cannot be trusted with
out pledges, cannot be conided i'll merely on accoun
of them.
I will proceed, however, now to respond to you
inquiries.
Frst-I reerate what have so often said--I an
a whg, but not an ultra wing. II elected won no
be the mere President OF n party. ] would endeavo
to act independent OF party domination | should fee
bound to administer the Government un,rammelledb!
party schemes.
Second.-The veto power. The power given By
the constitution 10 the Executive TO interpose his
is high conservative power but in my opinion SHOULD
be exercised except in cases OF clear violation
the constitution, manifest haste and want OF consid
Grafton by Congress. Indeed have thought that 10
many years pas, the known opinions and wishes OF tn
Executive have exercised undue and !imurious nlu
ence upon the legislative department Oh the Govern
ment and for tins cause have thought our system
was in danger OF undergoing great change from ii
true theory The personal opinions OF Me-iHdiridud
,rho may happen to occupy he Erec"tire chair, ongh
not TO control The aco" Of Congress upon question
Of domestic pocy nor oushf ms OJections 10 DC IN
te,posed rhere questions Of constnufWnaf Porer nae
been settled By the rariOus departments Of GOcern
ment and acquiescedi" by The people,
the improvement oi our great highways, rivers, lake
and harbors the will of the people aseXpressed throug
their Representatives in Congress, out TO be respected
and carried out by the Executive.
Fourth.-The Mexican war. sincerely rejoice a
the prospect of peace. My life has been devoted t.
arms, yet look upon war at all times and under a.
circumstances a national calamity, 10 bcavolded
compatible with national honor. The principles O
our Government as well as its true policy is oppose
to the sublugntion OF other nations and the dlsmenl
berment of other countries by conquest In the Ian
guage OF the great Washington, "Why should we qu
our own to stand on foreign ground" In the MeXca
war our national honor has been vndicated, and i
debating terms OF peace may well afford to be fol
bearing and even magnaiilnous to our fallen foe.
These are my opinions upon the subjects reterre
to by you and any reports or publications., written
verbal from any sources differing In any essentit
particular from what is here written are unauthorizc
and untrue.
do not know that shall again write upon the sui
lect OF national politicks shall engage in scheme
no combinations, no intrigues. 1t the American pee
pie have not confidence in me they ought not TO Civ
{ me their SURFACES. Ii they do not, you know me we
enough to believe when declare | shall be cor
tent | am too old soldier to murmur agant sue
authority TAYLOR.
To Capt J. S. ALLISON