Then came a motion to reject the bill, followed by a brief and almost one-sided debate, which was little more than the angry protest of the representatives of the people against the proposed overthrow of this last defense of liberty.
This reflects the passionate defense of civil liberties during a contentious legislative debate.
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Through nearly all the important legislation and diplomacy of those stirring and interpretative years ran, with ever increasing clearness, the dividing line of Nationalism as against localism.
The Alien and Sedition Laws were, they asserted, the beginning of monarchy, the foundation of absolutism.
He has raised the American people in their own esteem, and, if the influence of truth and justice, reason and argument is not lost in Europe, he has raised the consideration of the United States in that quarter of the world....
When we consult the common good, we consult our own." In such considerations were found the greatest security from an improper exercise of power.
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