existing practice, he argued, was contrary to those provisions of the constitution which expressly separated the three departments of government.  Moreover, everyone recognized the injustice and unwisdom of dissolving marriage contracts by act of legislature, upon ex parte evidence.[66] Without expressing an opinion on the constitutional questions involved, the assembly accepted the main recommendation of the committee, that henceforth the legislature should not grant bills of divorce.[67]

One of the recurring questions during this session was whether the State capital should be moved.  Vandalia was an insignificant town, difficult of access and rapidly falling far south of the center of population in the State.  Springfield was particularly desirous to become the capital, though there were other towns which had claims equally strong.  The Sangamon County delegation was annoyingly aggressive in behalf of their county seat.  They were a conspicuous group, not merely because of their stature, which earned for them the nickname of “the Long Nine,” but also because they were men of real ability and practical shrewdness.  By adroit management, a vote was first secured to move the capital from Vandalia, and then to locate it at Springfield.  Unquestionably there was some trading of votes in return for special concessions in the Internal Improvements bill.  It is said that Abraham Lincoln was the virtual head of the Sangamon delegation, and the chief promoter of the project.[68]

Soon after the adjournment of the legislature, Douglas resigned his seat to become Register of the Land Office at Springfield; and when “the Long Nine” returned to their constituents and were feted and banqueted by the grateful citizens of Springfield, Douglas sat among the guests of honor.[69] It began to be rumored about that the young man owed his appointment to the Sangamon delegation, whose schemes he had industriously furthered in the legislature.  Finally, the Illinois Patriot made the direct accusation of bargain.[70] Touched to the quick, Douglas wrote a letter to the editor which fairly bristles with righteous indignation.  His circumstantial denial of the charge,—­his well-known opposition to the removal of the capital and to all the schemes of the Sangamon delegation during the session,—­cleared him of all complicity.  Indeed, Douglas was too zealous a partisan to play into the hands of the Sangamon Whigs.[71]

The advent of the young Register at the Land Office was noted by the Sangamo Whig Journal in these words:  “The Land Office at this place was opened on Monday last.  We are told the little man from Morgan was perfectly astonished, at finding himself making money at the rate of from one to two hundred dollars a day!"[72] This sarcastic comment is at least good evidence that the office was doing a thriving business.  In two respects Douglas had bettered himself by this change of occupation.  He could not afford to hold his seat in the legislature with its small salary.  Now he was assured of a competence.  Besides, as a resident of Springfield, he could keep in touch with politics at the future capital and bide his time until he was again promoted for conspicuous service to his party.