New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-01-25

Nsshing,on. D. c. over which Mr.. Clay prended-not
Rev. Mr. McLrAS, a. reported Those VINO hefeA''e'
ns,iee the meeting should note The correction
The Presidency md the Whiss-sIr. Clay ana
Gen. Taylor.
IL has not been our custom hitherto 10 devote the
col umns of The Tribune to discussions oil the quail
iicatiops and claims respectively OF those whose
names may have been suggested from d'ferent
quarters for the support Of the Wing party as its
candidates for public stations. Before its nomina-
tons are made we claim our equal right with other
citizens to indicate our own preferences and take
counsel with our friends but usually through those
channels only which are common to all 1t is more
agreeable and convenient to keep such discussions
out Of our columns 90 that, whether our Judgment
be concure@ in, our preference gratiiied IN the
nominations or not, we may support the chosen
candidates without embarrassment and With the
utmost practicable efficiency. Our course is some
what different with regard to the next Presidency
and vhy different What are the considera-
tons which impe us to advocate the nomination
and support Of Henry CLAY first of all men, and,
in case he should finally insist on declining can
vsss, Of any other eminent Wing civilian in pref
erence to Gen. Zachary Taylor
Ihty arc ttlthlDiy nut INSsCieH- W w NV
know Gen Taylor personally, have been in no wise
injured or offended by him. and are inclined to like
what we know OF bis character He seems TO be
brave soldier, capable and vigilant officer Just,
simple hearted, and clearheaded man, with rs
much humanity as bis trade admits of and enough
Christianity to satisfy the requirements Of the av-
ersge Church standards Of the day.
Nor is our opposition to Gen. Taylor impelled by
the fact that he is Shareholder. Mr.. Clay is one
also. though we do not regard him as of one class
with those who do not publicly admit that Slav
cry il an evil and earnestly deplore its existence.
True, we think il but just and equal that the next
Wing candidate, whenever new one is TO be Sc
lected should be citizen ofthe Free States, which,
with n decided preponderance Of population,
strength and taxation, have furnished the Chief
Magistrates of the Nation for but twelve years and
one month OF the fifty nine years which have
elapsed since our Federal Constitution was estab-
lshed. Yet. while deploring the existence Of Sls
very as not merely an evil but crime and earnest
ly desiring 10 arouse the Slave States to consider
aud speedily abolish il, we never have opposed
and never mean to oppose any candidate for Pres
dent Of this Union merely or mainly because he is
eihStuDiOtI we KNOW bnht tucn pppOhltiOh ~
clearly at violence with the spirit Of the Constitu
ton, which maniiesty contempates genuine I'M
ION and not an incessant and exasperated conflict
between the Free and Slave States we know that
many Shareholders as coDsceutiously so as we
are adverse; we know that the Christian Clergy of
the South who are the spiritual guides and exem-
plars of the people, habitually aud assduousy
teach that Slavery is not essentially evil; and We
know the denuncaton and prescription Of the most
eminent and beloved Southern men by the North is
a process most unlikely to hasten or promote the
abandonment of Slavery. We mean, therefore, to
vote hereafter heretofore, for the candidate most
likely to preside ably and benelcently, whetherhe
BE- a STAKEHOLDER or otherwise.
Yet we shall oppose to the uttermost the selec-
ton Of Gen. Taylor as the Wing Candidate for
President on the following grounds some of which
may be removed in the progress of the canvass, but
others we apprehend cannot be-vix
l. Because bis views OF great public measures
and principles are not yet sufficiently made know n
We say this, not asking nor expecting that any
candidate for President shall think as we do on all
subjects, even of primary Importance. We do not
agree so thoroughly with any great man. and hard
ly expect to in future. What we ask Is frank
avowal Of opinons SO that we may know whether
on the whole they are such as to jasti(y bis nomi.
nation by a Wing National Convention. What
does Gen. Taylor think of the Tariff, Currency,
Sub Treasury and Public Land questions OF the
day. What of the Mexican War the proper OBJ
jects of its prosecution, the medtated conquest of
all Mexico, and the extension of Slavery into the
territory acquired Ii does seem to as that sim.
plesefrespect requires of the Wing party the nom.
instion OF no candidate for President whose opin-
ions on these vital questions are shrouded in mys-
terry. To vote for man whose opinion on some
important point disagrees with our own may some
times be duty bat to vote for one whose opin-
ions on all points are studiously concealed or orac
alnly mystihed does not comport with our ideas
OF political honor. The ooncealment argues that
somebody 10 to be cheated and We do not choose
10 be classed either with the swindlers the dupes
?. While We do not oppose Gen. Taylor because
he il Southern man and Shareholder we cannot
sbut our eyes to the fact that he wins support on
that ground Why are Duff Green and James Z.
Beser, with hundreds like them, to say nothing
yet Of John c. Calhoun, conspicuous supporters Of
Gen Taylcri The simple fact that he is a South
CRU meh uoes not give tue cue Tor Mr.. Clay Is one
also, yet they never thought disappearing him. We
shall want to know more clearly for NAat these
gentlemen support Gen. Taylor before We decide
20 do So
,. The Wing party must ever be, from its con-
position, character and traditions. in the mobiles,
sense Conservative-not as opposed to Reform, for
We appeal to National history for proof that ii
has done its fall share in promoting benefcen, Re-
forms-bu, a standing infexibly opposed to the
sway popular passion the lust Of conquest andthe
intense craving Of ho, blood for wild adventure and
lawless qualification To suppose that this party,
in view Of sach War as our Government is now
wsging no longer even professedly for Defense and
Peace bat for Conquest and Subjuga,ion, can be
persuaded to maintain equivocsl sttitude-to De
satisfied with denouncing and beratng the authors
OF the carnage while heartily sustaining and zeal
prosecuting the schemes of those very authors
-is to fancy that the Wing party will turn its |
back on itself and deliberately repudiare its prn.
cipes and fasify It's professions Unless thi, War
all be sfoDna1 hes,rs naxt Artrs...