Were I to commence my administration again, the first question I would ask respecting a candidate would be, Does he use ardent spirits?

Summary

In this quote, the speaker is suggesting that they would prioritize a candidate's use or non-use of ardent spirits (strong alcoholic beverages) if they were to start their administration again. By placing such emphasis on this aspect, the quote highlights the speaker's belief that a person's relationship with alcohol could potentially impact their suitability for a position of leadership. It implies that the speaker values individuals who do not consume ardent spirits and may view it as a character trait or potential indicator of a candidate's discipline or judgment.