In the late elections, the strength of parties had been tried; and the opposition had derived so much aid from associating the cause of France with its own principles, as to furnish much reason to suspect that, in one branch of the legislature at least, it had become the majority.

The first act of the house of representatives served to strengthen this suspicion.

By each party a candidate for the chair was brought forward; and Mr.
Muhlenberg, who was supported by the opposition, was elected by a majority of ten votes, against Mr.Sedgewick, whom the federalists supported.
The answer, however, to the speech of the President, wore no tinge of that malignant and furious spirit which had infused itself into the publications of the day.

Breathing the same affectionate attachment to his person and character which had been professed in other times, and being approved by every part of the house, it indicated that the leaders, at least, still venerated their chief magistrate, and that no general intention as yet existed, to involve him in the obloquy directed against his measures.
Noticing that unanimous suffrage by which he had been again called to his present station, "it was," they said, "with equal sincerity and promptitude they embraced the occasion for expressing to him their congratulations on so distinguished a testimony of public approbation, and their entire confidence in the purity and patriotism of the motives which had produced this obedience to the voice of his country.
It is," proceeded the address, "to virtues which have commanded long and universal reverence, and services from which have flowed great and lasting benefits that the tribute of praise may be paid without the reproach of flattery; and it is from the same sources that the fairest anticipations may be derived in favour of the public happiness." The proclamation of neutrality was approved in guarded terms, and the topics of the speech were noticed in a manner which indicated dispositions cordially to co-operate with the executive.
On the part of the senate also, the answer to the speech was unfeignedly affectionate.

In warm terms they expressed the pleasure which the re-election of the President gave them.