The Lorimer election--His vindication--A new investigation--Kern on committee--Scenes at the hearings--The sinister atmosphere--The committee division--Lea and Kenyon--Affectionate relations of the three--Kern’s base of operations--Scurrilous letters--Kern’s cross-examination--The Blumenberg incident--The girl telegrapher--Attempts to postpone committee report--Kern’s insistence--The committee fight--The minority report--Kern the dominating figure--Kenyon’s estimate--Lea’s--John Callan O’Loughlin--Kern’s speech--Challenges Lorimer’s supporters--Lorimer attacks Kern--Why Kern did not reply--Lorimer expelled. XIII--KERN’S POSITION AT THE BALTIMORE CONVENTION 252 Kern hears of fight on Parker--His embarrassment--Refuses temporary chairmanship--Bryan’s reasons for not being a candidate--Bryan decides on Kern--Efforts to dissuade Bryan--Bryan’s testimony on the subject--A sleepless night--Kern plans his appeal to Parker--Tells Mrs. Kern--The convention scene--Bryan nominates Kern--Kern’s dramatic appeal--The effect on the public--A surprise to Bryan--Bryan’s delight--His description of Kern’s speech--Kern chairman Platform committee--Kern the dark horse--His pre-convention attitude--Bryan’s knowledge of his embarrassment--“Testing sentiment for Kern”--“Wilson or Kern”--Luke Lea--Kern loyal to Marshall--Important states ready to go to Kern--If Kern had given consent--Reasons for refusal--Bryan’s attitude--Kern’s influence on result. XIV--ELECTION TO LEADERSHIP OF THE SENATE 282 A Democratic senate--The grave responsibility--Ugly memories--New Democratic senators--Reorganization movement--Kern absent from conferences--A telegram--Conferences at Luke Lea’s home--Kern chosen by progressives for leader--His special qualifications--Elected unanimously--His conciliatory policy--Revolution in committees--Changes in rules--The country’s interpretation of the revolution. XV--KERN’S FIGHT AGAINST FEUDALISM IN WEST VIRGINIA 296