The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-07-20
The Great Eraud--mr. Clayton ths Chief Agent ir
fBN Its perpstEutlons

70
tBN its perpsustAens 4f
Probably in the whole history Of political parties in
free countries huger and grosser fraud was never
played off upon the people, than that which was perpe-
rated by the leaders OF the wing party in the late pres
Dental election. That fraud had its origin in the camp
in Mexico II was planned by the politicians who sur
rounded Gen, Taylor while he was in command of the
army. and who first breaihed into his ear the thought
that he might indulge in aspirations for the presidency
They we have no doubt suggested the idea to the Gene
raj that he should the attitude Of noparty man,
and rum If need be- against all nominations If he failed
to secure nomination from one OF the great parties into
which the people were divided. Hence originated these
party pledges and these promises against proscrip
tion so freely made by General Taylor before and af-
ter his nomination, and finally subscribed to and
frmed by the presses and orators Of the wing party in
the political campaign which ensued That General
Taylor in the outset made them in good faith, we
have no doubt; and that he has been induced violate
them BY the interruptions politicians BY whom he has
been SURROUNDED and bese both in and out Of the cabinet
think is equally certain They first persuaded him
to abandon his neutral position. and thus succeeded in
converting his administration into Of ultra pat
san character And having accomplished so much, they
found it not difficult to convince man who knew moth
ing OF the arts and wiles Of intriguing politicians, and had
experience in political affairs. that the necessity Of the
circumstances in which he placed would Justify and
before the world total disregard and viola
ton Of all his promises and pledges.
But while General Taylor has his nexperence and in
capacity political affairs and his Of knowledge Of
men and Of craftsmanship plead in excuse for his aban-
donmen Of the solemn pledges and promises which he
made previous his election, sorry and pabe that
may be, the leading politicians Of his party who
confirmed those pledges and promises to the people, and
even reiterated them in the and behalf of Gen. Tay-
o order democratic votes for their candidate,
have such apology for their conduct They
should and will be held responsible for the preparation
of deliberate fraud upon the peoplefor making prom
Uses which they intended. judging from their past
duct, to violate the moment they attained power We
intend TO hold this class Of politicians to their accounta
bty before the people, that they may bear the stigma of
such dscredabe conduct, and receive from the people
the rebuke which it so Justly merits.
The motives Of men, when they are not avowed, can
be inferred only from their conduct II aspirant to
high public station, in order 10 attain his object, holds
promises encouragements to the people that he
will in the OF his success, pursue line of
Duct and after succeeding he shall pursue another d.
recty the reverse. the whole world has the right to infer
that he designed from the beginning the cheat which he
peperated Such must be the conclusion OF every honest
mind with regard to the pursued by the leading ad
vocates and supporters Of the election of Gen. Taylor And
we think the conclusion is equally irresistible that the
present Secretary OF State is deeply implicated in this
grand system of deception. by which an ultra wing
President has been imposed upon the people against their
real wishes and will any who had the talents and
the character to aspire the dignity OF leader OF his