Mr.Webster desired debate on this subject, and succeeded in carrying a reference of the report to a committee of the whole, but his opponents prevented its ever coming to discussion.

In the long session which ensued, Mr.Webster again took comparatively little part in general business, but he spoke oftener than before.

He seems to have been reserving his strength and making sure of his ground.

He defended the Federalists as the true friends of the navy, and he resisted with great power the extravagant attempt to extend martial law to all citizens suspected of treason.

On January 14, 1814, he made a long and well reported speech against a bill to encourage enlistments.