There had also been a debate as to whether expulsion of the persona, or a mere declaration that the seats were vacant, were the proper course to be pursued by the Senate.

Andrew Johnson maintained the latter, and all the Democratic senators, except McDougall of California, voted with him.

But in the case of Mr.Breckinridge there was not a negative vote--his own colleague Powell remaining silent in his seat while five Democratic senators joined in the vote for his expulsion.

The resolution, draughted by Mr.Trumbull, was made as offensive as possible, curtly declaring that "John C.Breckinridge, the traitor, be and is hereby expelled from the Senate." The mutation of public opinion is striking.

Mr.Breckinridge lived to become a popular idol in Kentucky.