The Portland Gazette

The Senators in Congress are divided into three classes, whose term of service expires at three different periods. The highest class continues until 1825, the second until 1823, and the last goes out in 1821. The Senate is now composed of 44 members, whose terms expire as follows: fifteen in 1825; fifteen in 1823, and fourteen in 1821: when those from Maine take their seats, they will draw lots for their class; one must be placed in the lowest class, the seats of whose members are vacated in March, 1821; the other will then draw from the remaining numbers and will be entitled to his seat for four or six years as fortune shall decide. This arrangement is made by the constitution, which provides that one third of the Senate shall be chosen every second year.