A large number of honest-minded opponents believed that a careful calculation had been made by the Republican leaders, and that they had found the margin so close as to be unsafe in a contest with the President.

If the margin had been broader and the two-thirds vote assured past all reasonable danger, it was asserted, and no doubt believed, that the Constitution would not have been strained to exchange Mr.Stockton for a Republican senator, who was sure to succeed him.

It was the first attempt in our history to establish the policy of the Government without regard to the President, and indeed against his power.

In the case of President Tyler the reverse had been practically attempted.

In his controversy with the Whigs his friends constituted more than a third in each House -- thus making his veto effective and leading him to attempt the administration of the Government without regard to the opinions of Congress.