Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1848-06-16

have consented to the use Of my name as
'andidatc for the Presidency. have frankly
avowed my own distrust of my fitness for that
high station but having, at the solicitation Of
many Of my countrymen, taken my position as
a candidate, do not feel at liberty TO surrender
that position until my friends manifest wish
that ! should retire from it. l will then most
gladly do so. / have no private purposes to
accomplish, no party purposes TO build up, 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
every question that might occur to The writers
as affecting the interests Of their country or
their party. have not always responded to
these inquiries for various reasons.
l confess, whilst have great cardinal princi-
pies which will regulate my political life, am
not sufficiently familiar with all the minute de-
tails OF political legislation TO give solemn pedg-
es to exert my influence, il were President, to
carry out this or defeat that measure. i have
no concealment l hold no opinion which
would not readily proclaim TO my assembled
countrymen but crude impressions upon mat
tiers of policy, which may be right to-day and
wrong tomorrow, arc, perhaps, not the best test
of fitness for office. One who cannot be trust
ed without pledges, cannot be coufded in mere
or, now to respond to your inquiries
First.--l reterate what have often said
am Whig, but not an ultra Wing. II elected
| would not be the mere President of party
! would endeavor TO act independent Of party
domination. | should feel bound to administer
the Government untrammclled by party schemes.
Second.-Thc veto power.--1he power given
by the constitution to The Executive to interpose
his Veto 10 high conservative poweri but in
my opinion should never be exercised except in
cases Of clear violation of the constitution, or
manifest haste and want of consideration by
Congress. Indeed, | have thought that for
many years past, the known opinions and wish
os of the Executive have exercised undue and
injurious influence upon the legislative depart
ment of the government; and for this cause /
have thought our system was in danger Of un-
dergoing great change from its true theory
The personal opinions of the individual who may
happen 10 occupy the Executive chair, ought
not to control the ac'ion Of Congress upon ques-
tons of domestic policy nor ought his ol,iec.
tons to be in,erposed where questions Of consti-
tutional power have been settled by the various
departments of government and acquiesced in
by the people.
Tnird-Upon the subject Of the tariff, the
currency the improvement of our great high
ways, rivers, lakes, and harbors, the will of the
people, rs expressed through their representa-
lives in Congress, ought to be respected and car
ried out by the Executive.
Fourth. The Mexican War. sincerely re-
joice at the prospect Of peace. Ny life has been
devoted to arms, yet look upon war at all times
aud under all circumstances as a national calam-
ity, to be avoided il compatible with national
honor. The principles of our government as
well rs its true policy are opposed to the subiu-
CATION of other nations, aud the dismemberment
Of other countries by conquest In the language
Of the great Washington, "Why should we quit
our own to stand on foreign ground 7" In the
Mexican war our national honor has been vim
dcated, amply indicated, and in debating
terms Of peace we may well afford to be forbear-
ing and even magnanimous TO our fallen foe.
These are my opinions upon the subjects re-
ferred to by you and any reports or publica-
tons, written or verbal, from any source. differ
ing in any essential particular from what is here
written, are unauthorized and untrue
do not know that shall again write upon
the subject of national poliiics. shall engage
in no schemes, no intrigues. II the American
people have not confidence in me they ought
not TO give me their suflrages. II they do not,
you know me well enough to believe me when
declare shall be content. l am too old n SOL
der to murmur against such high authority.
q. TAYLOR
To Capt. J. S. Alison.