The majority report was lengthy and argumentative, covering ninety pages, while the minority were able to state their case in twenty-two. The moment it became known that a majority of the committee had vigorously espoused the cause of Lorimer the press and magazines of the country declared that the nation was to be treated to another white washing of Lorimer. _The Nation’s_ comment was that: ...“All that is left for the senate to say is whether its sense of smell is less acute than that of the country.” V The filing of the reports did not end Senator Kern’s labors in the case, for it was decided that he should open the debate in favor of the expulsion of Lorimer and analyze the evidence submitted for the benefit of the senate and the country. It is little less than remarkable that he was not given greater credit by the press of the country for the part he played in ridding the senate of Lorimerism. To satisfy myself that his was the dominating part I have appealed to the three men who were in position to know, the two senators who acted with him and the Washington correspondent of _The Chicago Tribune_, who followed every detail of the case. The three unite in crediting Kern with having been the dominating influence. Senator Kenyon said that “John Kern’s ideas were the predominating influence.” Senator Lea said: “Senator Kern was a dominating force in that part of the Lorimer committee that resulted in the full investigation of the case. The committee was intended by some to be a white wash and it was Kern’s determination to prevent that. His insight into human nature and knowledge of men enabled us to extricate from unwilling witnesses incidents in Illinois politics which gave color and meaning to much testimony that would otherwise have been barren of significance. Again Senator Kern’s tact prevented much friction in the committee that might have resulted in outbursts that would have diverted attention from the main issue--the guilt or innocence of Lorimer. Again Kern’s droll and ridiculing sense of humor so discomfited many of the witnesses that they could not adhere to their prepared testimony.” John Callan O’Loughlin said: “I am so glad that you are writing the biography of Senator Kern. He was a big man, straightforward, wholesome, and one with a high ethical sense. His conduct in connection with the Lorimer case in itself justifies the country in holding up his memory to remind future generations of what they owe to him.