The session of 1836 furnished a striking example of this characteristic quality.

Mr.Calhoun at that time introduced his monstrous bill to control the United States mails in the interests of slavery, by authorizing postmasters to seize and suppress all anti-slavery documents.

Against this measure Mr.Webster spoke and voted, resting his opposition on general grounds, and sustaining it by a strong and effective argument.

In the following year, on his way to the North, after the inauguration of Mr.Van Buren, a great public reception was given to him in New York, and on that occasion he made the speech in Niblo's Garden, where he defined the Whig principles, arraigned so powerfully the policy of Jackson, and laid the foundation for the triumphs of the Harrison campaign.

In the course of that speech he referred to Texas, and strongly expressed his belief that it should remain independent and should not be annexed.