His term coincided with the economic recovery following the Panic of 1893, and focused primarily on industrial regulations and advancement of agriculture.

As governor during the Spanish–American War, he oversaw the formation as dispatch of the state levies and played an important role in changing national policy to allow African-Americans to serve as army officers.

[1] He enlisted in the Union Army on 22 July 1862, during the height of the American Civil War, and was assigned to D Company of the 72nd Indiana Infantry.

Mount gained a reputation for leadership, valor, and bravery, and twice volunteered for charges against superior forces during the Battle of Chickamauga during September 1863.

In the Democratic-controlled Senate he submitted no legislation of his own, but did support several measures he believed would benefit the farming community, including increasing funding for state agricultural programs.

[5] Mount sought his party's nomination for governor, and won, being aided by his farming background which was believed to give him an edge in the campaign.

The primary issue of the campaign was national, the unlimited coinage of silver money, which would cause inflation, which farmers believed would alleviate their financial problems.

Anti-trust laws, a number of industry regulations on worker health and safety, and food and drug quality were also passed during his term.

Indiana had maintained regiments of black troops since the Civil War, and Mount activated two of their companies to serve in the new conflict.

The United States War Department refused to accept them unless they were commanded by white officers, leading to a dispute with Mount.

Mount objected strongly to the War Department demand and enlisted the support of Indiana's senator, Charles W. Fairbanks.

Taylor was a Republican candidate for Governor of Kentucky in the 1899 election, and was believed to have been involved in the murder of his Democratic opponent after making accusations of vote fraud.

Two days later, January 16, as he was preparing to leave the capitol and return home, he died of a heart attack in his Indianapolis apartment.