Madison opposed the execution of the treaty, but the principal speech was made by Giles, whose argument covers twenty-eight columns in the _Annals_.

As the struggle proceeded, the Jeffersonians lost ground.

It became evident that weighty elements of public opinion were veering around to the support of the treaty as the best arrangement attainable in the circumstances.

The balance of strength became so close that the scales were probably turned by a speech of wonderful power and eloquence delivered by Fisher Ames.

A decision was reached on April 30, the test question being on declaring the treaty "highly objectionable." Forty-eight votes were cast on each side and the Speaker gave his decision for the negative.