The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-17

democratic native. But, in being thus nomi mated
must insist on the condition-and my position this
yard by them the candidate Of their party con-
sidered as the exponent OF their party doctrines.
In conclusion have to repeat that If were nomi-
mated for the Presidency, by any body of my fellow
citizens, designated by any name they might choose
to adopt should esteem it honor, and would &C
cept such nomination, provided it had been made en-
urely independent OF party considerations.
am, sir very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
PETER SKEN SMITH, Esq, Philadelphia.
TO COL MITCHELL OF ONO.
BATON ROUGE La. Feb. IL, lS4S
My DEAR CoLoNEL-Your very kind communication
and the accompanying newspaper, have duly reached
In reply to the closing remarks your letter have
no hesitation in stating have stated former
casons, that am whig though not an ultra one: and
that have desire to this fact from any por-
ton Of the people Of the United States deem it but
candid however, to add that if the whig party desire
at the next Presidential election to their
me, they must do it their own responsibility and
without any pledges from me.
Should be elected to that Office should deem it to
be my duty and should most certainly claim the right
to look to the constitution and the high interests of
common country and not to the principles of party
With my sincerest thanks for your expressions of
friendship and my best wishes your success through
life remain very truly your friend and obsdient
want u. TAYLOR.
Col. A. M MITCHELL, Cincinnati, Ohio
BATON ROUGE, La, Feb. 2S 184S.
GENrLEMEN-G have the honor to acknowledge the
receipt of your communication Of the 18th of January
incosing preamble and resolution adopted at late
meeting of the citizens Of Adams county, Illinois
10 you, gentlemen as the committee appointed by
the meeting have respectfully to reply that cannot
feel that permitted at this time respond to your
inquiry In other terms than those which the OBJ
legation of all who hold military authority in any coun-
try to put their shoulders to the wheel do all they
can to bring about speedy peace.
These expressions, trust, will be deemed sufficient
ior declining to express any opinion in regard to the
business and proprety of the in which the country
is engaged
am, gentlemen with great respect, your most obe
dlent servant, Il. TAYLOR
TO EDITORS BALDWIN AND GALLAHER.
BATON ROUGE, La, April 20, 1S4S.
DEAR SR-Y our letter of the 10th instant, which al
ludes TO certain statements that have been made in
of the papers at the North and which submits &C.
veral inquiries for my consideration has been receiv
cd
To your inquiries have respectfully to reply =
First-That if nominated by the Wing National Con-
vcuton, shall not refuse acceptance provided am
left free of all pledges, and permitted to maintain the
position Of Independence of all parties in which the
people and my own sense Of duty have placed me-
otherwise shall refuse the nomination of any
ton or party.
Secondly 10 not design to withdraw nv name If
Mr. Clay be the nominee of the Wing National Conven-
tion-and in this connexion beg permission to re-
mark that the statements which have been positive
y made In some Of the Northern prints to the effect
" that should Mr.. Clay be the nominee of the Wing
National Convention had stated, that would not
suffer my name to be used not correct and have
no foundation in any oral or written remark of mine
1t has not been my intention at any moment to change
| my postion-or to withdraw my name from the cal
vass whoever may be the nominee of the National
| vention either of the wing or democratic party
Thirdly have never stated to any one that was
In favor Of the tariff Of 46of the sub-treasury
that originated the war with Mexico Nor finally,
that should (f eected select my cabinet from both
parties. No such admission or statements were made
| by me, at any time, to any person.
Permit me. however, to add that should such high
distinction be conferred upon that of elevation to
the Executive office, the constitution, in strict and
honest Interpretation, and in the spirit and mode
which it acted upon by the earlier Preside nts
would be my chief guide In this, conceive to be ali
\ that is necessary in the way of pledges.
The election of another candidate would occasion no
modification to me- but to such result the will of
the people, should willingly and calmly submit. As
serve the country it would bring to no disappont-
| ment.
| With sentiments of high respect and regard | re-.
main, your most obedient servant,
| o. p BALDWIN, Esq, or Ro. II. GALLAHER
Editor of Richmond Republican, Richmond, Va.
THE LETTER.
! BATON ROUGE, April %, 1S4S.
| DEAR SiR-My opinions have often been mscon-
ceved and misrepresented, that deem it due to m
self If not to my friends to make brief exposition Of
| tention.
have consented to the use of my name as candi-
| date for the Presidency | have frankly avowed my
own dstrust Of my fitness for this high station but
having, at the solicitation Of many of my countrymen
taken my position candidate, do not feel at ibsr-
y to surrender that position until my friends manifest
a wish that should retire from it, will then most
gladly do So have private purposes to accomplish
no party projects to build up 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 writer's affecting the inte-
rest Of their country their party have not always
| responded to these inquiries for various reasons.
] confess whilst have great cardinal principles
which will regulate my political life am not sufficient
m ptails IF
atien to give solemn pledges exert myself carry
out this or defeat that measure. have conceal
| ment | hold no opinion which would not readily
proclaim to my assembled countrymen but crude i'm
pressions upon matters of policy which may be right
to-day and wrong to morrow perhaps not the best
test Of fitness for office. One who cannot be trusted
without pledges cannot be confded in merely on ac-
count of them
| will proceed, however now to respond to your in.
quiries.
First reiterate what have 10 often said-T am
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 untrammeled by party schemes.
Second The veto power. The power given by the
high conservative power but in my opinion should
be exercised except in Of clear violation of
the constitution manifest haste and of cons-
deraton by Congress. Indeed have thought that for
many past the known opinions and wishes of the
executive have exercised ndue and injurious influence
upon the legislative departmen Of the government and
for this cause have thought system in danger
OF undergoing great change from its true theory
The personal OF the individual who hap
to occupy the executive chair ought not control
the action Of Congress upon questions Of dome site po
licy ought his objections to be nterposed where
questions of constitutional power have been settled by
the various departments of government and acquiesced
in by the people
Third.-Upon the subject of the tariff the cure ncy
the improvement Of our great highways rivers lakes
and harbors the will Of people, expressed through
their representatives in Congress- out to be respected
| and carried out by the executive
Fourth The Mexican war. ! sincerely rejoice at
the prospect Of peace. My life has been devoted
! arms yet look upon war at all times and under all
circumstances, as national calamity to be avoided II
compatible with the national honor. The principles of
government well its true policy is opposed to
the subjugaton Of other nations and the dismembcr-
ment of other countries by conquest In the language
of the great Washington, why should quit our
own to stand on foreign ground?' In the Mexican
national honor has been vindcated and in
debating terms Of peace may well afford to be for
bearing and magnanimous to II fallen foe.
These my opinions upon the subjects referred to
by you, and any reports publications. written or
verbal from any differing In any essential par
tcular from what here written unauthorized and
untrue.