The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-08-15
For the Union.
0The Cat I'm the Meal Tub

The theory of republican government is based upon
the fundamental proposition, that man possessed OF
sufficient intelligence and honesty safely TO choose those
who fit to exercise the functions OF magisracy and
legislation.
of this fundamental idea, and illustrations OF the correct
But to enable constituency to choose wisely, and in
accordance with this theory necessary
that those who proposed as candidates for the differ
ent functions of government should make known, In
some adequate mode, the measures they PROPOSE the
principles of public policy by which they would be gov
erned in administering the business OF the public for
how choice be exercised unless by comparison of the
and principles of one with the propositions OF
the other
The candidate for public confidence and favor, who
should refuse to make known the views by which he
would be governed in his action questions Of public
interest, which would before him in discharge of
the duties of the position he sought would find that the
popular credulity and intatuaton unequal to the
presumption and contempt of public intelligence, which
such cold and studied silence would imply.
1t is not proposed to examine how far such DECLARE
ton might be waived in favor of old public servant
who had often expressed his views, and illustrated his
policy but in any other departure from such avowal Of
principles would be justly regarded as unwse and unsafe
But what is the attitude of the two rival candidates for
the presidency at the pending election How stands Gen
Cass?
His position perfectly consistent with the theory and
only correct safe practice under government.
speak not of the principles which have re-
ceived his sanction, but of the position he occupies in
reference TO this fundamental theory and basis of in
sti!utions
On all public questions, domestic and foreign, his views
and the principles of his policy are avowed with frank
and candor becoming the man and the high position
s MeV should elevate him. In obedience as we'll to
his of the prophecies of the position assigned him
by his friends to the obligations he owes to the repu
taon of country before The world. in the exercise of
the choice OF Executive, he has fit thus 10 act
and this, after life devoted mostly to civil affairs, in
which his views on many questions had before been
made known.
But comment on the position of Gen Cass is unneces
sary and is only alluded to by way of contrast to the
singular attitude of Gen. Taylor and Of the party which
proposes to elect him to this high civil position.
In this connection it is also unnecessary to show
how General Taylor has surrendered the independent
position and betrayed the "ndependent friends to
whom he his present party position when he was
enabled thereby 10 make better bargain. These sub
jecs, interesting to considerable party in different
localities, leave for the reflection of TIE deiuded Ii
they thence derive comfort and confidence in his
maintaining any other position which the General may
take, as the humor may seize him--very well.
come to the attitude in which he stands before the
intelligent rejecting people of the country; and pro,
pose subject it to the test of the principle first laid
down. Is his position consistent with due respect
either for the theory of institutions, or to the good
sense and intelligence of those whose sufages he now
dency with the aror which has been exhibited by and is
consuming him. | maintain that his position and at
tude hostile to the principles of government and
American people; and that it would be unsafe and
wise to give countenance to such precedent by eechng
him.
In his letter to Mr. McConkey of Cincinnati Ohio, Of
the 18th of February, he says che has laid down
principle not to say 1ohat he M do in reference to ques
mons Of public policy" In this, he repudiaes, pr,nci
ple the idea that the people of this country have any
right to inquire whether he will if elected administer
this government principles which would beht Nero
or a republican. .
If he has laid il down principle, (and he says he
has,) that he will not explain state what his views
are he must do it upon the ground that the people have
no right to know what those opinions arehat they are
not fit and capable them or, that he is con-
scous that the opinions and principles he does entertain
are either anrepublican, hostile to the settled con-
vicons of the people and that therefore both himself
and his principles would be Indignantly rejected by The
people. "To this complexion must it come at last"
The Allison letter, it is said, gives the solution OF
one questionable veto Not So however, the fact Seek
ing The presidency he says its power is too much en-
arged its influence too much and unwarantaby ex-
tended to the detrment of the interests OF the people
legislation is controlled by its influence All of which is
wrong He believes the veto conservative power. moi
to be exercised unless in of unconstitutional iegi
iafon hasy legislation, inoonsderdte Legislation
In each of these contingencies, are Justified thus far
| in believing he would exercise that tedious one man
powerg But he says he thinks the views OF the people
on every domestic question, as expressed by Congress
ought to be acquiesced in by the Executive This, o
course, cuts off all considerations OF constiuhonaity