An elaborate and exciting speech on the "Crime against Kansas," by Senator Sumner, was followed by an assault from Preston S.Brooks, a member of the House from South Carolina, which seriously injured Mr.Sumner, and sensibly increased the exasperation of the North.

When a resolution of the House to expel Brooks was under consideration, he boasted that "a blow struck by him then would be followed by a revolution." This but added fuel to a Northern flame already burning to white- heat.

Votes by tens of thousands declared that they did not desire a Union which was held together by the forbearance or permission of any man or body of men, and they welcomed a test of any character that should determine the supremacy of the Constitution and the strength of the government.
The canvass grew in animation and earnestness to the end, the Republicans gaining strength before the people of the North every day.

But Buchanan's election was not a surprise.

Indeed, it had been generally expected.