The opposition which he led four years after to the tariff bill of 1846 gave Mr.
Evans still higher reputation, though the measure was unexpectedly carried by the casting vote of the Vice-President.
When Mr.Evans's term of service drew near to its close, Mr.Webster paid him the extraordinary commendation of saying in the Senate that "his retirement would be a serious loss to the government and the country." He pronounced the speech just then delivered by Mr.
Evans, on the finances, to be "incomparable." The "senator from Maine," continued Mr.Webster, "has devoted himself especially to studying and comprehending the revenue and finances of the country, and he understand that subject as well as any gentleman connected with the government since the days of Gallatin and Crawford,--nay, as well as either of those gentlemen understood it." This was the highest praise from the highest source! Of all who have represented New England in the Senate, Mr.Evans, as a debater, is entitled to rank next to Mr.Webster! The next Congress met in December, 1847.

Besides the venerable ex- president, there were two future Presidents among its members-- Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.

Mr.Robert C.Winthrop was chosen Speaker.

He was nominated in the Whig caucus over Samuel F.Vinton of Ohio, because he had voted for the Wilmot Proviso, and Mr.Vinton against it.* Mr.Vinton was senior in age and long senior in service to Mr.Winthrop.

Mr.Vinton had entered the House in 1823 and Mr.Winthrop in 1840.