24/59 He retired from that body in 1847. Upon entering the Senate, he was complimented with a distinction never before or since conferred on a new member. He was placed at the head of the Committee on Finance, taking rank above the long list of prominent Whigs, who then composed the majority in the chamber. The tenacity with which the rights of seniority are usually maintained by senators enhances the value of the compliment to Mr.Evans. Mr.Clay, who had been serving as chairman of the committee, declined in his favor with the remark that "Mr.Evans knew more about the finances than any other public man in the United States." The ability and skill displayed by Mr. |