The minority resisted this repeal with all their might.

They alleged with great reason that it was not decent for the Legislature to repeal a provision which the people has expressly approved.

But their resistance was in vain, and after a long and angry struggle which stirred the people of the Commonwealth profoundly the provision for the secret ballot was abrogated.

But the result of the contest was that the Whigs were routed at the special election for delegates to the Convention.

That body was controlled by the Coalition by a very large majority.