Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1848-08-26

u. Is
that bill, and also against the liberal sys-
tenn, toto cello. Yet all are on the platform.
Each lie orthodox. Is il not clear, there.
fore; that the platform TO which Gen. Cass
pledged himself by his letter of acceptance
of the Baltimore nomination requires an.
other explanation from HIMSELF
Mr.. FoorE. Gen. Cass, in his letter &C.
ceping the nomination of the Baltimore
Convention. stated that that letter closed
his profession of faith.
Mr.. CLAYTON. l remember that very
WELL In that letter after endorsing this
unintelligible platform of the Democratic
Convention, he adds, that he will not say
any more. He closed the door, became
General Num-" and accordingly in his an
swer 10 Mr.. Wood, of Cleveland, he re-.
fused to throw any more light on the sub.
ject. 1t is palpable that his position is
equivocal, and differently understood in diff.
ferent sections of the Union, and that the
platform itself is mere humbug.
The honorable gentleman asked me what
were the sentiments of Cen, Taylor in re-
gard 10 the Mexican war. think he will
find an answer perfectly satisfactory in the
Allison letter. There General Taylor an
nounces great principle Of vast impor-
lance to this country. He avows himself
opposed TO the doctrine Of annexation by
conquest. He is opposed to war, when the
honor of the country does not demand it;
and in favor of peace as the general policy
of the nation. He congratulates the coun-
try upon the successful termination Of the
Mexican war. But he distinctly announ.
ces his own principle, conservative and
glorious as it is-one on which he will 90
into the canvass this fall--that he will op-
pose all war for the purposes of conquest.
Mr.. FooTE. The Senator seems to have
elded past my interrogatory. The ques-
ton was, did General Taylor approve of
the conduct of his own country or, did
he hold that Mexico was in the right
And, secondly, when that war had been
waged up to the time Of the treaty of peace:
does he not know that Gen. Taylor was in
favor Of that acquisition of territory which
has been made by the treaty?
Mr.. CLAYTON. The gentleman uninten-
tionally assumes, by his question, knowl-
edge of Gen. Taylor's opinions which his
published declarations do not Justify, and
about which neither he nor ! can have any
knowledge. We know nothing Of Gen.
Taylors opinions except from the letters
which have been published to the world;
and IN them he has given no opinion upon
the subject to which the gentleman refers,
nor can conceive that it is Of the slight
est importance. As soldier, his position
made it improper 10 question any COM
mand of the Chief Magistrate, and his du-
ty was obedience. Ii is not necessary in
this connection TO discuss the question
whether the Mexican war was Just and ne
cessary or not If Mr. Polk were running
as the candidate, might have something
to say on that subject; and when treating
of the claims Of Gen. Cass, who approved
by his speeches and votes in this chamber
every act and saying of Mr.. Polk on wars,
it may be taken up with propriety. But,
so far as General Taylor is concerned, the
question has passed away with the war in
which Ire did his whole duty. If he an
nounces himself distinctly opposed 10 &C
QUESTION by conquest hereafter, the ques-
lion as to the Justice of the Mexican war;
so far as he is concerned, ceases TO have
the least importance with men of any par
~ in the Presidential campaign.
General Taylor has done more TO termi-
nate the war than any fifty Democrats in
this nation. Even the Baltimore Conven-
ton, in the midst of all its party action,
| mas not DeSltdltu " lutIOuuCC du aChEoWl-
edgemeni that Gen. Taylor and his gallant
army, with the other American armies,
have done everything that could have been
done for the honor and the glory Of the
country. The platform says that they
have carried the arms of the nation into
Mexico. browning it with imperishable glo-
ry;" that their unconquerablc courage,
their daring enterprise, their untallering
perseverance and forlilude when assailed
on all sides by innumerable foes, and that
more formidable enemy, the diseases of the
climate, exalt their devoted patriotism into
the highest heroism, and gives them right
10 The profound gratitude of their country
and the admiration of the world"
General Taylor was not candidate when
this resolution was adopted. They thought
perhaps, that General Taylor would not be
nominated; bu, they did Justice TO the gal
liant old veteran. And hope that a, this
moment the Democracy of the Union are
prepared to unite with the honorable gen.
tlemeh from Mississippi in eulogiums upon
the public and private virtues Of General
Taylor.
With regard 10 Gen. Taylor's opinion on
the Wilmot Proviso. the Senator has the
same information that have. He knows
what Interpretation ought to be put upon
the Allison letter, and hope Gen. Taylor
may never assume the attitude of sec
tonal or geographical candidate. Suffer
me to say for myself, that, although acting
in the spirit of the request of the Legisla-
= l.. IL nd t,,xr