This meant that there would be a bitter factional fight in the party, because both Senators were popular with the rank and file of the party.
The fact was soon developed, however, that the people favored the return of Senator Ames to the Senate.

This did not necessarily mean opposition or unfriendliness to Senator Alcorn.

It simply meant that both were to be treated fairly and justly, and that each was to stand upon his own record and merits, regardless of their personal differences.
If Senator Alcorn had been in Senator Ames' place the probabilities are that the sentiment of the party would have been just as strongly in his favor as it was at that time in favor of Ames.

But on this occasion Senator Alcorn made the mistake of making opposition to Senator Ames the test of loyalty to himself.

In this he was not supported even by many of his warmest personal and political friends.