Members of all parties, without distinction, were compelled to laugh.

They not only laughed, they screamed and yelled; they thumped upon the floor with their canes; they clapped their hands and threw up their hats; they shouted and twisted themselves into all sorts of contortions, until their sides ached and the tears rolled down their cheeks.

One paroxysm passed away, but was speedily succeeded by another, and again they laughed and screamed and yelled.

Another lull occurred, and still another paroxysm, until they seemed to be perfectly exhausted.

The ambition of Lincoln's opponent was abundantly gratified, and for the remainder of the session he lapsed into profound obscurity." In June, 1842, ex-President Van Buren was journeying through Illinois with a company of friends.