Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-06-20
GEN. TAYLOR'S QUALIFICATIONS FOX
THE PRESIDENCY.

Before the appearance OF Gen. Taylor's Delo-
nv letter last summer some Of the Democratic
papers in,ima,ed that Gen. T. had no qualitica-
tions for The Presidency-lhat he was dehciehs
in all The qualities which constitute 'the STATES
man-thal he did not even understand, and had
formed no opinions upon the most common and
familiar political questions Of the day-and that
Gen. T. himself confessed his ignorance oil po-
wing, isnu-
rant at the time of the contents OF the forthcoming
Delony letter, attempted TO defend Gen. Taylor
from these allegations. Hear what that paper
said-on the 22d July last-a few days before
The appearance Of Gen. It's Delony letter:
awe can see nothing in his position as mill
tary man 10 deprive him OF The opportunity and
means of informing himself upon those grave
matters, the discussion Of which has not only
filled newspapers and pamphlets, but has been
carried TO the door Of almost every log cabin
in The country by public speakers. Saeh con-
f,sion wo,ld 6etray wonderful lack Of interest
IN the practical operations of the Gorernment, or
q still more remarkable oJtuseness of intellect
We cannot believe that Gen. Tay lor is justly liza
bic 10 the impulalion Of having been wholly in.
different 10 the fate OF these great questions by
convulsed; and we know that the latter impula-
lion would do him the grossest injustice. We
must believe that there is some misapprehen-
sion in regard 10 this repued confession which,
II il we're true, would necessarily reflect upon the
patriotism, or The int ltgenee OF Gen. Taylor
neither of which can be doubled by any one &C
quainied with The history Of his eventiu life"
In the face OF these allegations out came Gen.
Taylors letter 10 Mr.. Delony-in which Gen. T.
fully susains the allegations in regard 10 his
"wondertul lack OF interest in The practical ope.
rations OF the Government, or still more re-
markable obuseness o. Misunderstanding thai for
nearly ouy years he has given his lime 10 mill.
tary opera!ions-ihat he has not made up his mind
as to The eIpediency OF a National Bank or The
cons,iiuionaity Of such an insttulion-lhe a.
feet OF Protective Tariff or The power OF Con.
gress 10 create such system OF revenue-and
that he could mol say what his opinions are on
those questions, until be should have an opporlu.
nifty o. examining them,
And what was the Wings reply to This denial
by General Taylor OF The Wings stalemenls2
Why, an inimation that General TAYLOR
did understand these questions, notwiihsland-
ing his own declarations that he did not
tina. he refused 10 tell the truth, because
"he is determined not TO allow himself 10 be
pumped BY persons who have no right 10 know
his sen:ments!" A potent defence, truly, invol
wing as il did The candor and veracily OF Gen.
Taylor But the Wing "remembeed 10 forget
that General Taylor admitted Mr. Delony's right
TO question him in The fullest extent, and asserted
roundly and firmly that he could nos answer the
questions propounded TO him. because he had mol
made up an opinion, and because he was so cir.
that he could not al The time make
The proper investigation. This, The Wing (and
Times also) minated was not the truth of the |
matter.
Both these papers put interpretations on &c.
neral Taylor's declarations, not credtab!e TO bis
candor or veracity. The Times said;
ellis General Taylor's) intimation of the |
necessity Of study as an excuse ior not answer |
ing the inquiries relative to the Tariff and
National Bank, might be construed into the &C
kno ledgment OF a want Of familiarity with |
these topics, which we can hardly suppose TO be |
lhe case We suppose this answer was selected |
as the readiest and most modest manner Of de.
Ginning to answer questions which, In his pre-.
sent position, he has dlsinclination 10 answer"
Here, by the Wigs own showing they have
q candidate for President of the United States
totally unqualified for the duties of the station,
who has formed no opinions upon the most com.
mon and familiar political questions Of the day
who has manifested such "a wonderful lack
Of interest in the practical operations of the
as to fail to "inform himself
Upon those grave matters, the discussion Of
which has not only filled newspapers and pam
chiefs, but has been carried TO the door of every
cg cabin in the country By public speakers" A
pretty statesman, truly, 10 fill the highest poiti.
al Office in the world