REPUBLICANS were on the defensive in Congress through
the spring of 1798, but they had fought a brilliant rearguard
action. By holding their ranks together they had modified a
number of Federalist military proposals and subjected every mea-
sure to critical scrutiny. Federalists, by matching Republicans'
discipline, forced through every one of the measures, but they had
little cause for exultation. Despite popular indignation over the
behavior of France, Congress had not been stampeded. Military
preparedness measures, which should have slid through in the
atmosphere of crisis, remained in doubt until the final roll call.
The Sedition Act, which required general acquiescence if it were
to be regarded as anything but partisan repression, passed by the
narrowest of margins -- a "three-vote majority," sneered the
Aurora. Though unable to halt the Federalists' drive, Republicans
had compiled an impressive public record, one that could serve as
a basis for election appeals. What they needed was a forum to
initiate the public debate. Not surprisingly they turned to their
home base, the Virginia assembly. Madison sensed this need when

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