These divergent practices had been allowed to develop for seventy-seven years of the nation's life, when, admonished by the Stockton case of the latitudinary results to which loose methods might lead, Congress took jurisdiction of the whole subject.

The exercise of this power was a natural result of the situation in which the nation was placed by the war.

Previous to the civil conflict every power was withheld from the National Government which could by any possibility be exercised by the State Government.

Another theory and another practice were now to prevail; for it had been demonstrated to the thoughtful statesmen who then controlled the Government, that every thing which may be done by either Nation or State may be better and more securely done by the Nation.

The change of view was important and led to far-reaching consequences.
Alexander G.Cattell succeeded Mr.Stockton and served in the Senate with usefulness and high credit until March 4, 1871.