Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-11-29


is one of the practices which has grown up in III,
United States of late years, and very bad one il
our judgment it is. There might be some apology
for it if nothing known of candidates. or of the
opinions they entertained but to know both the
man and his principles, and then to exact pledge
from him as to the manner in which he will dis
charge his duty, we take to be as great piece d
folly, IT not of wrong, az heard of. If al
incorporate man is nominated for Office the plede
Of such is not apt to be worth much, IL be ase
hardhood to make pledge; and politcsl xacttsr,
who think that I" all is fair in politics." and who sedus
ready to make break pledge will very lh -
what they may say what they may do If successful pro-
curing votes
Something ought to be left to circumstances sometig to
measures, something mans judgment and independence
officer of the State nation. he is not worthy Of
confidence, be ought not to be nomnatsd and unworthy
Of support he is not likely be elected. No nan with
proper serespect and with sufficient moral capacity to rel
present an intelligent constituency, will consen pledge
himself in regard to fixed action uponthe vrious social
and domestic questions every day spngg up in the COM
muniy We therefore like the Of tie suboined letter
from Mr. WINTHROP, Of Massachusetts, reply to one call
ing upon him to say in advance that he WOULD if elected
support Liquor Law in Massachusetts, line the one now in
force in Maine The Of Temperance he defends as
every Of sound morality and DESTROYS discharge the
duties Of good citizen will also defend it but think it
gains nothing by the ovewrought zeal Of Of the advo
Gates Of temperance, who prostitute good by mnsng
up with Of the party politics Of the day More bad
and incorporate than good and sober citizens will be
elected to Office through such association Of and
things. -Ne,O York Express.
MR.. wINTHRoP's REPLY.
Bosros, OcrosrR ls, 1851.
DEAR SIR Your communication of the 10th instant has
been duly received and thank you for the expressions Of
personal kindness and confidence which It contains.
You inform me that many of the friends Of Temperance in
your vicinity you designate also my political
fendsare anxious to know whether would, If elected to
fill the Gubematoral chair Of this State, sign bill ( such
one should pass for the suppression Of the traffic in ntoxi
eating liquors. bill similar to the Maine Law, called.
deeply regret that any Of my political friends should think
It necessary to put such question to their candidate for Go
and cannot but believe that they will be convinced
on reflection Of the improperly of my giving direct
answer.
similar question has recently been proposed to me on
another subject and from another quarter Of the Sase and
know not what others may still be in store for have
but one reply for them all.
Is wholly at variance with my past conduct and with my
principles to give pledges of any
sort privately publicly, the eve Of an election, and
with view Of securing votes which might ssrwse be with
held from ma And ID even In conflict with my
Of duty Tor candidate for the Chief Magacy declare bis
Intention to make up bis own mind in advance a. to
what bills he will sign, and what bills he will Veto in case Of
his election.
One Of the great doctrines Of the party with which have
ne nonor 70 be associated that the power one only
to be exercised In emergencies and unon The deaSt and
most deliberate consideration. Something Of clear cons
,uona dculy or something of high public policy has
been always required by the Wings Of Massachusetts, as
or ne exercise Of this power by the Chief Ma
gistrate either Of the State or the nation 2s
For myself certainly, if were chosen Governor of this
Commonwealth, should contemplate the interpretation OF the
Veto under any circumstance with great reluctance should
v knv>o GcI
earnestly nope 20 nnd myself able to concur in al the
ses which might meet with the deliberate assent Of thu two
branches Of the Legislature, and more especially in all which
might look to the promotion of great cause as that Of
Temperance But at the same time must be allowed to
mold myself MPerect liberty TO discharge my constitutional
obligations, and to exercise my honest judgment upon every
question il arises uneteed and unembansssed by any
previous pledges assurances, or expectations whatever
am dear sir, with entire respect your obedient servant
ROBERT G. WINTHROP.
B. w. Williams, Esq.
Editor of the Life Boat Taunton, Mass