Upon the report a discussion sprang up which was partisan with a few
exceptions. Conspicuous among the exceptions was Fletcher Webster.
Webster supported the appropriation in a speech of signal ability. His
drawback was the disposition to compare him with his father. Fletcher
was aware of this, and I recollect his remarks upon the subject at an
accidental meeting on Warren Bridge. Fletcher was rather undersize,
and he spoke of that fact as a hindrance to success in life, in
addition to the disposition to compare him with his father. In his
speech he made a remark not unlike the style of his father. Addressing
himself to his Whig friends, he said that they would be required to
explain their opposition to the measure, and added, "and explanations
are always disagreeable." My acquaintance with Fletcher Webster, was
the introduction to a limited acquaintance with his father, and it led
to an act on the part of Mr. Webster which was of signal importance to
me.
Mr. Cushing remained in the House until the loss of the appropriation,
when he left for Washington. President Polk gave him a commission as a
Brigadier-General, and he left for Mexico.
Motley was chairman of the Committee on Education, and as Chairman he
reported a bill to divide a portion of the proceeds of the Maine lands,
among the three colleges of the State.
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