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The control of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1838, on which depended the choice of a United States Senator, turned upon the election in Philadelphia (October 9) where the Democratic candidates for the Legislature were elected by small majorities; but their Congressional candidate was defeated. Thereupon the Democratic return judges cast out 5000 Whig votes, claiming fraud. The Whig judges then issued certificates of election to both their Congressional and Legislative candidates, and these returns were accepted by the Whig Secretary of State. At the opening of the Legislature, at Harrisburg, December 4, 1838, armed partisans were present. The Whig Senate adjourned because of the mob, and in the House two warring bodies assembled. The Whig Governor called on the militia, and tried, without effect, to obtain Federal aid. The Democratic House was finally recognized December 25.