Page:Kentucky Resolutions of 1798.djvu/32

16 and the publication of seditious libels on the government and its officers. Two clauses were added to modify the effect of these provisions. Section three permitted the truth in action for libel to be set up as a defence, contrary to the previous practice, and section four limited the continuance of this act to the period of the current administration, that is, to March 3, 1801.

Even before these laws were enacted a feeling of alarm spread everywhere. In the extreme Federalist States, no doubt, a feeling of triumph and exultation prevailed, but even in their borders there was no lack of dismay among the minority. The opposition in Congress labored strenuously to prevent their passage, but in vain. Once passed, the country was thrown into a perfect ferment. The different portions of the country were affected according to the dominant political opinion. Where the Federalists were strong political feeling bore them headlong into prosecutions under the new powers. In the Republican States a sense of injury and danger went hand in hand, and the question of the hour was how to repel the threatening destruction.

Mr. Jefferson did not fail to see that the great opportunity for his party had come. His keen political sagacity detected in an instant the fatal mistake the administration had made, and he began at once to look about him for the best means to turn his opponents' mistake to his own advantage. Naturally he felt some delicacy in appearing too forward in assailing a government of