He displayed the highest tact and dexterity in reconciling so many clashing interests, and avoiding so many perilous side issues, until he had brought the main problem to a solution.

In all that he did and said he showed a dignity and an entire sufficiency, which make this negotiation one of the most creditable--so far as its conduct was concerned--in which the United States was ever engaged.
While the negotiation was in progress there was a constant murmur among the Whigs about Mr.Webster's remaining in the cabinet, and as soon as the treaty was actually signed a loud clamor began--both among the politicians and in the newspapers--for his resignation.

In the midst of this outcry the Senate met and ratified the treaty by a vote of thirty-nine to nine,--a great triumph for its author.

But the debate disclosed a vigorous opposition, Benton and Buchanan both assailing Mr.Webster for neglecting and sacrificing American, and particularly Southern, interests.

At the same time the controversy which Mr.Webster called "the battle of the maps," and which was made a great deal of in England, began to show itself.