So that it was necessary that a Representative or Senator who would do his duty, or who had the ordinary ambition, or desired that the counsel best for the country should prevail, should master these subjects and take a large part in discussing and advocating the policy of his party.
During the thirty-two years from the 4th of March, 1869, to the 4th of March, 1901, the Democratic Party held the Executive power of the country for eight years.

For nearly four years more Andrew Johnson had a bitter quarrel with the Republican leaders in both Houses of Congress.

For six years the Democrats controlled the Senate.

For sixteen years they controlled the House of Representatives.

There is left on the Statute Book no trace of any Democratic legislation during this whole period except the repeal of the laws intended to secure honest elections.