This Day in History: February 3

On February 3, 1778, Congress, having taken into consideration the report of the special committee appointed to devise effectual means to prevent persons disaffected to the interest of the United States from being employed in any of the important offices thereof, resolved, That every officer who held or should thereafter hold a commission or office from Congress, should subscribe the oath or affirmation of allegiance. [More]

Gee, too bad Chris Matthews and Mark Potok weren't around to disparage the effort, eh?