Nobody would deny that the government itself was in great danger.

Was it the part of wise men to increase the perils of that which was already in serious peril for the purpose of giving new security to that which was already perfectly secure?
Those who held this language were twitted with their inconsistency, and asked why they had not ventured to oppose the bill in the preceding session.

They answered very plausibly that the events which had taken place during the recess had taught an important lesson to all who were capable of learning.

The country had been threatened at once with invasion and insurrection.

No rational man doubted that many traitors had made preparations for joining the French, and had collected arms, ammunition and horses for that purpose.