But with the two sides of the debate almost neck and neck, their heavy opposition could defeat the bill.

In 1863, he opposed and helped to defeat a bill to fix the prices of food, which he believed was fraught with the direst mischief.

Thus, although a bill might have majority support, a minority of 41 senators can prevent a final vote, effectively defeating the bill.

For instance, he was responsible for defeating a bill to establish a state lottery in 1935, and for defeating a referendum liberalizing state birth control laws in 1942.

His colleagues defeated the bill both years.