Harper's Weekly

“ The increase in the number of Democrats does not change the political character of the Senate, but it will have the effect of all vigilant oppositions, in putting the majority upon their guard, and saving them from the kind of recklessness which undisputed power promotes. ”

“ There is, however, no doubt that he is a valuable acquisition to the Senate, where he can not forget whom he succeeds — a recollection which will inspire and strengthen him to abjure all fatal alliances.
New York sends a Democratic Senator for the first time in nearly thirty years. Mr. Kernan is a Democrat of the straightest sect, a man of irreproachable character, and a lawyer of ability and distinction. His election, virtually uncontested in his party, is evidence of the final supremacy of Tammany Hall over the “Canal” Democracy. ”

“ He has great public experience and knowledge of public affairs, but his strong partisanship has sometimes persuaded him to conduct which weakened the confidence of the best men in the party, and was the ground of the resolute Republican opposition to his election. ”