RETIREMENT OF MR. WEBSTER FROM MR. TYLER'S CABINET.
Mr. Tyler's cabinet, as adopted from President Harrison, in April
1841, had broken up, as before related, in September of the same
year--Mr. Webster having been prevailed upon to remain, although
he had agreed to go out with the rest, and his friends thought he
should have done so. His remaining was an object of the greatest
importance with Mr. Tyler, abandoned by all the rest, and for
such reasons as they published. He had remained with Mr. Tyler
until the spring of the year 1843, when the progress of the Texas
annexation scheme, carried on privately, not to say clandestinely,
had reached a point to take an official form, and to become the
subject of government negotiation, though still secret. Mr. Webster,
Secretary of State, was an obstacle to that negotiation. He could
not even be trusted with the secret, much less with the conduct
of the negotiations. How to get rid of him was a question of some
delicacy. Abrupt dismission would have revolted his friends.
Voluntary resignation was not to be expected, for he liked the place
of Secretary of State, and had remained in it against the wishes of
his friends. Still he must be got rid of. A middle course was fallen
upon--the same which had been practised with others in 1841--that of
compelling a resignation. Mr. Tyler became reserved and indifferent
to him. Mr. Gilmer and Mr. Upshur, with whom he had but few
affinities, took but little pains to conceal their distaste to him.
It was evident to him when the cabinet met, that he was one too
many; and reserve and distrust was visible both in the President and
the Virginia part of his cabinet. Mr. Webster felt it, and named it
to some friends. They said, resign! He did so; and the resignation
was accepted with an alacrity which showed that it was waited
for. Mr. Upshur took his place, and quickly the Texas negotiation
became official, though still private; and in this appointment, and
immediate opening of the Texas negotiation, stood confessed, the
true reason for getting rid of Mr. Webster.