Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-06-29
PROSPECTUS
VdNe'o journal, to be Published at tie City
Of Washington,
by WAY q GIDEON, FOR THE EDITORS.
ENTITLED
PROSPECTUS

HE establishment of another new Journal at the
scat of the national government, may, perhaps, he
considered by some, as premature and unnecessary
at tins time; while by others, it will be hailed with
pleasure, as another source Of intelljqencc. aud ann
ther medium OF information, frcin which much bene-
ht may be derived. Means for diffusing light and
truth and knowledge can never be TOO extensively
multiplied OF too generally promoted. In all free
governments the press is empbatically the paladi-
un OF liberty, and it is only III despotisms that its
range Is circumscribed and its energies DESTROYED.
1t is by a free, unrestrained, and easy. diffusion of
knowledge, and especially political knowledge, that
,he loertles Oh a nation can be preserved this is
best effected by means of the press, therefore, cam
rot be too widely or generally established.
Promises are so frequently made in undertakings
oil this sort, and so often violated, that we shall for
bear TO make more on this occasion than we intend
TO fulfil. But, this we will say, without the appre1
bension of failure, that every effort shall be made to
ditiuse the most correct information; to support the
principles OF republicanism IN their purity; to de-
lend the measures Of government that are bottomed
On these principles, and that are calculated to pro-
mote the general good; aid to cudeavor to cherish
a spirit OF union and harmony among the confedc-
rated members of our great republic. And while We
DO TINS, we shall not be inattentive to the claims of
American literature and science, hitherto too much
neglected, but will, at all favorable opportunities,
labor to contribute TO their advancement and to
promote their success. Through the medium of lit
erary and critical ESSAYS, inserted from time to
time, we shall cndcavor, moreover, TO beget and fos-
ter, as far as we are able, a taste for letters and a
love OF science, that will add to the endowment az
well as the happiness of all who feel their Influence.
Established, as this journal will be, at the seat of
government, it VIII be in the power of the editors to
put their patrons IN possession of whatever of inte-
rest may t%ranspire, either IN the cabinet or the coun-
ellis OF the nation, and TO communicate the infors,a-
ton as it comes, Immediately from its source. The
proceedings of Congress, and sketches of the de-
bates, with the most important official commupica-
tons, shall also, be regularly given, and in short, no
effort shall be omitted OH the part of the editors To-
render the Journal as interesting and useful as pos
sible.
AS we purpose to be. on all occasions, perfectly
candid, we think it but proper to state, at this time,
that, as IT respects the different candidates for the
Presidential Chair, our choice is decidedly in favor
OF HENRY CLAY, whose talents and genius We
respect, and whose claims to the high Office To which
so many are aspiring, we shall endeavor to support;
but, at the same time, with that temperance and
co~urtesywhich we think due to the character not
only of HENRY CLAY, but to that of his rivals, aud
which, we arc sure, will be more agreeable to all,
than the rude ribaldry and low s:urrility i'm which
some have INDUCED in pushing forward the claims
OF their favoritc candidate. The principles to which
Mr.. CLAY has adhered, i'll the whole of his political
career, are precisely those we shall maintain. We
are advocatesfor whatever will conduce to The pros
perity and welfare of the nation; and the leading
traits of Mr.. CLAWS political life have been those Of
deep attachment to his country, and to whatever
would promote its interests, and Il strong desire to
advance the cause of freedom, and to protect and
support the unalieTable rights of imam.
Oi the course We shall pursue, therefore, and the
principles we shall advocate, we think we have said
enough, and, with this brief expose ofour intentions,
in the establishment of this journal, we throw our
selves upon the public, in the expectation Of obtains
ing q portion OF tllor patronage.
TERMS.
The s4HeTicaH Mercury will be published on an
imperial paper, three times a week, on the mornings
Of Tuesday, Ihursdny, and Saturday, during the re-
cess OF Congress, at six dollars per aunum, payable
half yearly; and every day during the session, at
au extra charge of three dollars for each session.
early in August next, by which time, persons holding
subscription papers, are requested to return them.
All Communications addressed 10 the Editors, TO
be postpaid.
u Editors of Newspapers, in the United States,
are requested to gise the above a few insertions, ahd
tho favor will he cheerfuIly reciprocated.
Washington, June 3.