If a Southern man talked of its repeal it was regarded as the mere bravado of an extremist.

But now a Northern senator of remarkable ability, a party leader, a candidate for the Presidency, had reported the measure, and made it a test of Democratic faith, of administration fealty.

The contest that followed was severe and prolonged.

The bill was before Congress for a period of four months, and was finally forced through to the utter destruction of good faith between the sections.

More than forty Democratic representatives from the North flatly defied party discipline and voted against the repeal.