After successful application for a quarter of a century the custom fell into disfavor and, by bitter agitation, into disuse.

The cause of its overthrow was the appointment of Henry Clay to the State Department, and the baseless scandal of a "bargain and sale" was invented to deprive Mr.Clay of the "easy accession." After a few years, when National Conventions were introduced, it became the habit of the President to tender the State Department to a leading or prominent competitor for the Presidential nomination.

Thus General Harrison offered the post to Mr.Clay, who declined; and then to Mr.Webster, who accepted.

President Polk appointed Mr.Buchanan.

President Pierce appointed Mr.Marcy.