This vile practice had no doubt been pursued to some extent, but only by a class of "middle men" who had neither honor nor sensibility.

They had in some form the opportunity to secure the interposition of men who could reach the ear of the President or the Attorney-General.

It is hardly necessary to add that neither of those high officials was in the remotest degree reflected upon even by their bitterest opponents.

However wrong-headed Mr.
Johnson and Mr.Stanbery might have been considered on certain political issues, the personal integrity of both was unblemished.

It was believed that the nefarious practice was stopped by Mr.Chandler's action in the Senate.