In a matter so directly affecting the interests and the feelings of the people of New Jersey it was certainly a hardship that the voice of the State was not heard.

With one senator excluded from voting by parliamentary law and the other absent by reason of physical disability, Mr.Stockton had good ground for declaring that the Senate had not treated him with magnanimity or generosity.

It is due to Mr.
Stockton to say that under very trying circumstances he bore himself with moderation and dignity.
In the decision itself, however, there has been general acquiescence, and it led to an important reform in the manner of choosing United-States senators.

The well-known Act of July 26, 1866, "regulating the time and manner of holding elections for senators in Congress," was the direct fruit of the Stockton controversy.

Though it may not be perfect in all its details that law has done much to insure the fair and regular choice of senators.