They are jealous of Cushing, who, they think, is playing a double game.

They are envious of my position as the supporter of the right of petition; and they truckle to the South to court their favor for Webster.

He is now himself tampering with the South on the slavery and the Texas question." This harsh judgment may or may not be correct, but it shows very plainly that Mr.Webster's caution in dealing with these topics was noticed and criticised at this period.

The annexation of Texas, moreover, which he had so warmly opposed, seemed to him, at this juncture, and not without reason, to be less threatening, owing to the course of events in the young republic.

Mr.Adams did not, however, stand alone in thinking that Mr.
Webster, at this time, was lukewarm on the subject.