Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1848-05-05

The following letter from Gen. Taylor. to his
brother-in-lav Captain Allison, appears in the N.
o. Picayune, and cannot fail TO command uni
versal attention -
fE BxT0N RoUaE, April -, l8i6
Dear Sir-My opinions have recently been so
often misconceived and misrepresented, that
deem II due to myself If not TO my friends, 70
make a brief Exposition Of them upon the topics
to which you have called my attention.
Ihave consented to the use of my name as a
candidate for the Presidency Ihave frankly a
vowed my own distrust ofmy fitness for that high
station; but having, at the solicitation of many
OF my countrymen, taken my position as cam
didaie do not feel at liberty to surrender that po-
sition until nv friends manifest a wish that
should retire from il. ] will then most gladly dc
so. Ihaye no private purposes to accomplish, nc
party projects to build up no enemies to punish
nothing to serve but my country.
Ihare been very often addressed by letter, and
nv opinions have been asked upon almost every
question that mightoccur to the writer's as affect
ing the Interests Of their country or their party
have not always responded to these inquiries
confess, whilst have great cardinal princi
Piles which win regulate my political life, an
not sufficiently familiar with all the minute de
es TO exert my influence, m were President, &c
carry out this or defeat that measure have NJ
conceaiment hold no opinion which / wodls
not readily proclaim to my assembled country
men; bptcrude impressions npon matters Of pol
icy, which may he right to-day and wrong 10
morrow are, perhaps, not the best test of fitnes.
for Office. One who cannot be trusted withou
pledges cannot be con6ded in merely on account
of them.
i viii proceed however, now to respond to
your inquiries.
FTra-I reiterate what have often said
am wing, but not an ultra wing. Ifelected j
would not be the mere President Of a party. ]
would endeavorto act Independent of party DOM
ination. Ishould feel bound to administer the
Government untrammeled BY party schemes
Scoad.- The veto power. The power given hy
the constitution to the Executive to interpose bis
veto, is high conservative power; but in my o
pinion 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 wishes OF the Executive
have exercised undue and injurious influence up-
on the legislative department of the Government
and for this cause Ihave thought our system was
in danger Of undergoing great change from its
true theory. The personal epiaions of he indirid-
aat rho may haPpeHt 70 occupy The Erecnfire chair
ought NOT 70 control Tie action of C0ngress Wpoa
qneaioHs Of domestic policy; nor ongn his dice
ions 70 Be iHteyposrd scAeys qaestons Of consifu
tiozai Poirer hare been seed By tie rayious depart
s,snis Of G,Deram-nt and asqaissced II By lls peo-
PEe.
Third Upon the subject Of the tariff. the cur
rency, the improvement Of our great highways
rivers lakes and harbors the win Of the people.
as expressed through their representatives In Con-
gess, oughtto Be respected and carried out by the
Executive.
.Fsnrtk-The Mexican war. sincerely re-
loice a. the prospect Of peace. My life has been
devoted 70 arms, yet look upon war at all times
and under all circumstances as national calami-
y, to be avoided ii compatible with national
honor. The principles Of our Government as
well IS its true policy are opposed 10 the subiura
ton OF other nations and the dismembermentsof
other countries BY conquest. In the language of
the great Washington, why should We quit our
own 70 stand on foreign ground In the Mexi-
can war our national honor has been vindicated.
amply vindicaied, and in debating terms Of peace
We may well afford to be forbearing and even
magnanimousto our fallen foe
These are my opinions upon the subjects re-
ierTed BY yo1 and any reports or publieafions
written OF verbal from anv source difier;nr =
any essential particular roIn what Z here 1r;i.
zen, are upauth0rized and untrue.
do MOI know that shah again write upou he
subject Of national politics. shall engage IN 80
schemes, no eombinaiion<, no intrigues. II he
American people have not confidence IN me- tbrr-
ought not o give me their SURFACES. If ther ID
not you know me well enough 10 believe me-
when Ideclare Ishall Be content am loo old :
soldier TO murmw against such high authority.
To Capt J. S. ArrasoS.