It was regrettable that a case, which from its very nature was complicated by political considerations, should have arisen in the midst of a campaign of such unprecedented excitement as that of 1840.  It was taken for granted, on all sides, that the judges would follow their political predilections—­and what had Democrats to expect from a bench of Whigs?  The counsel for the appellant strained every nerve to secure another postponement.  Fortune favored the Democrats.  When the court met in June, Douglas, prompted by Judge Smith, the only Democrat on the bench, called attention to clerical errors in the record, and on this technicality moved that the case be dismissed.  Protracted arguments pro and con ensued, so that the whole case finally was adjourned until the next term of court in November, after the election.[111] Once more, at all events, the Democrats could count on the alien vote.  Did ever lawyer serve politician so well?

As Chairman of the State Central Committee, Douglas had no perfunctory position.  The Whigs were displaying unusual aggressiveness.  Their leaders were adroit politicians and had taken a leaf from Democratic experience in the matter of party organization.  The processions, the torch-light parades, the barbecues and other noisy demonstrations of the Whigs, were very disconcerting.  Such performances could not be lightly dismissed as “Whig Humbuggery,” for they were alarmingly effective in winning votes.  In self-defense, the Democratic managers were obliged to set on foot counter-demonstrations.  On the whole, the Democrats were less successful in manufacturing enthusiasm.  When one convention of young Democrats failed, for want of support, Douglas saved the situation only by explaining that hard-working Democrats could not leave their employment to go gadding.  They preferred to leave noise and sham to their opponents, knowing that in the end “the quiet but certain influence of truth and correct principles” would prevail.[112] And when the Whigs unwittingly held a great demonstration for “Tippecanoe and Tyler too,” on the birthday of King George III, Douglas saw to it that an address was issued to voters, warning them against the chicane of unpatriotic demagogues.  As a counter-blast, “All Good Democrats” were summoned to hold mass-meetings in the several counties on the Fourth of July.  “We select the Fourth of July,” read this pronunciamento, “not to desecrate it with unhallowed shouts ... but in cool and calm devotion to our country, to renew upon the altars of its liberties, a sacred oath of fidelity to its principles."[113]