Introduction
In 1814, the USA was still embroiled in the War of 1812 with Great Britain. Many citizens of east coast States were dismayed, holding that the war was wrecking the economy for no demonstrable gain. President James Madison’s pro-France hawks in Washington responded by trying to silence critics as traitors, but young Daniel Webster, recently elected to Congress as Member for New Hampshire, was defiant.
IMPORTANT as I deem it, to discuss on all proper occasions, the policy of the measures at present pursued, it is still more important to maintain the right of such discussion, in its full and just extent. Sentiments lately sprung up, and now growing fashionable, make it necessary to be explicit on this point. The more I perceive a disposition to check the freedom of inquiry by extravagant and unconstitutional pretences, the firmer shall be the tone, in which I shall assert, and the freer the manner, in which I shall exercise it. It is the ancient and undoubted prerogative of this people to canvass* public measures, and the merits of public men. It is a ‘home-bred right’; a fireside privilege. It hath ever been enjoyed in every house, cottage, and cabin in the nation. It is not to be drawn into the controversy. It is as undoubted as the right of breathing the air, or walking on the earth.
* Canvass here means ‘discuss, debate’.
Précis
When James Madison’s USA cracked down on criticism of the War of 1812, Congressman Daniel Webster rose in the House to say that even before the merits of the war could be debated, the issue of free speech must be settled. The people had an inalienable right to criticise politicians and their policies, that he would defend without fail. (59 / 60 words)
When James Madison’s USA cracked down on criticism of the War of 1812, Congressman Daniel Webster rose in the House to say that even before the merits of the war could be debated, the issue of free speech must be settled. The people had an inalienable right to criticise politicians and their policies, that he would defend without fail.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: besides, despite, just, ought, since, until, whereas, whether.
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