CHAPTER IX. cxliii Mr. Webster resigns his Place in Mr. Tyler's Cabinet.--Attempts to draw public Attention to the projected Annexation of Texas.--Supports Mr. Clay's Nomination for the Presidency.--Causes of the Failure of that Nomination.--Mr. Webster returns to the Senate of the United States.--Admission of Texas to the Union.--The War with Mexico.--Mr. Webster's Course in Reference to the War.--Death of Major Webster in Mexico.--Mr. Webster's unfavorable Opinion of the Mexican Government.--Settlement of the Oregon Controversy.--Mr. Webster's Agency in effecting the Adjustment.--Revival of the Sub-Treasury System and Repeal of the Tariff Law of 1842.--Southern Tour.--Success of the Mexican War and Acquisition of the Mexican Provinces.--Efforts in Congress to organize a Territorial Government for these Provinces.--Great Exertions of Mr. Webster on the last Night of the Session.--Nomination of General Taylor, and Course of Mr. Webster in Reference to it.--A Constitution of State Government adopted by California prohibiting Slavery.--Increase of Antislavery Agitation.--Alarming State of Affairs.--Mr. Webster's Speech for the Union.--Circumstances under which it was made, and Motives by which he was influenced.--General Taylor's Death, and the Accession of Mr. Fillmore to the Presidency.--Mr. Webster called to the Department of State. SPEECHES DELIVERED ON VARIOUS PUBLIC OCCASIONS.