Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1848-08-28
Letter-Writing of Presidential canda'
@ o da$oR. O

| AK pboStNS - Wv
candidates, has been for a long time customary
in our free country; and among the actions OF
such candidates so narrowly criticised by the peo'
pie, we have not heard, nor do we believe that this
custom has been, or ought to be condemned, if exer-
| cised from a correct motive to effect a just end. But
there are a variety Of reasons, as various as the
kaleidoscope ITSELF which prompt candidates for
the Presidency, particularly. to indite epBtles. And
when a letter is placed before the public, emanasing
from this high source, to arrive at a just conception
Of its merits, we should not allow ourselves to be
dazzled by the beauty of its d~iction-the depth
of its logic and its metaphor-nor be deceivedby the
artfnlness of its points, its tact and profundity.-
While reading letters of this description, WI should
be guarded not to let our admiration for the pro-
duction lead ns into the support Of its author, not
wiihstanding his past actions. which may be repug-
nant TO our principles. While there are many
whose knowledge OF mankind and the requirements
they have derived from study and reflection, save
them from falling into the snare Of such willy ebnl-
ltions of the brain, there are, likewise, unfortu-
na.ely, a vast majority who are thus entrapped.
like insects, which, deceived by the beauty and bril-
liancy Of the candies fame, ignorantly fly into it
and meet their death. A man who is well versed
in the passions, feelings and incentives of the hu-
man mind, will discover at a glance, as truthfally
as a mirror will delineate the features, the motire
of an intellectual production, whatever may have
been assumed as the ground or reason which gave
it origin. Without referring to any other than the
present period and the present candidates for the
Presidency, to prove our theory or elncidate our
meaning, we will hold up before the eyes of an inn
partial and enlightened reader-7one whose know
ledge Of mankind is correct and untainted by preju-
dice-the two letters of Cas- and Taylor, accepting
their nominations as candidates for the chief ma.
We would ask, what would such a mind
consider as the essential motiue of these produce
We have neither before us, but the sub.
stance Of both is distinctly impressed upon our me-
mory. The answe Of Gen. Cass, it cannot be de-
MED, is wrought with beautiful thought and senti-
ment and captivating language. but the mere &C.
has very little TO do with the object or mo-.
Of the letter: that motive is either to blind or
and exalt its writer in the eyes of the un-
suspecting masses, who can never be too ~vigiIant
in watching such men, and guarding themselves
against their seductive and insidious emanations,
which. like the glistening and infatuating eyes of
the serpent, charm but to destroy. How different
the production Of General Taylor upon the same
subject. His motive, it is easily perceived, is sim
cere and heartfelt thankfulness for the honor con-
ferred, doubt as to his ability to perform the res-
ponsible and elevated duties, but if elected Presi-
dent, to devote what talents he possesses to the in
terests and honor Of the whole Union. And of the
letters which this distinguished man has writ
ten. more perhaps than any other candidate for the
Presidency. we defy his most bitter enemy to point
to one single production of his, in which there was
motire than the subject at issue, or more than
assumed to have been its object. Not so with
The honorable pensioner Of Government. In the
history Of the public letter-writing Of Lewis Cass,
rom his communication TO the National IntelIigen-
GER in November, 1919, down to his late letter OF
accep'ation, deception, intrigue or selcemulation.
bas been the prevailing sentiment that has guided
MS dexterous and dangerous pen. gi5iaz-9
The above reflections were induced by reading
letter from Gen. Taylor-,he last, we believe,
has appeared before the public-in reply to
Dne that had been written by a gentleman Of Mem
phis, making inquiries respecting certain SANDER
ous imputations that had appeared in locofoeo pa
per Of that place, the Appeal. This letter appears
in to-day's paper. We like its heightened manli-
ness-its open and straightforward defence-its
and unmistakable object, to give the
direct to a base calumny: we admire it for the
indignation which it ~evinces, for the
natural burst Of feeling which it displays, and above
for the spirit which it discovers, that although
a candidate for the Presidency, General Taylor
does not consider himself so highly elevated as not
10 feel or notice the dlsgracefal assaults which ema.
nate from his. enemies among the people. We can
the feelings of the good old man while
perusing these foul ISLANDERS; he wished, doubtless,
1t such a moment, that he was still buried in the
rude fort upon the outskirts Of civilization, or in a
land. amidst the smoke and thunder of bat
lie, carrying onward The banner of his country in
and in glory. H. .aaEa
But far different in sentiment is the proud and
naughty a~ristocrat whom the ~locofocos claim as
heir candidate for the Presidency. He make re-
to disgraceful imputations! He condescend
100 AE 4&1E