Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-07-02
June I.
PROSPECTUS
" d.Neto Journal, to be Published at tie City
Of Washington,
BY WAY d GIDEON, FOR THE EDITORS.
ENTITLED
TIE AMERICAN MERCURY.

AiiC AaiCltlCAN
The establishment of another new Journal at the
seat 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 intelligence, and ano-
thor medium of information, from which much bcnc-
ut may he derived. Means for diffusing lirht and
truth and knowledge can never be too extensively
multiplied or too generally promoted. In all free
governments the press Is cmphatically the paiadi-
um of liberty, and it is only III despotisms that its
range is circumscribed and its energies DESTROYED.
1t is by n free, unrcstrained, and easy diffusion of
knowledge, and especially political that
the liberties OF a nation can DC preserved: this is
best effected by means eli the press, therefore, cag-
not be too widely or generally established.
Promises are so frequently made in undertakings
oi 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 apnre-
hcnSion of failure, that every effort shall be made tn.
difuse tho most correct iniorinatiot; TO support the
principles of rcpublicanism in their purity; to de-
lend the measures Of government that are bottomcd
on these principles, and that are calculated to pro.
mote the general good; and to endeavor to cherish
a spirit OF union and harmony among the confede-
rated members oil our great republic. And while we
do this, we shall not be inattcntive to the claims of
American literature and science. hitherto ton much
neglected, but will, at all favorable opportunities.
labor 10 contribute to their advancement and to
promote their success. Through the medium of lit
erary and critical essays, inserted from time to
10y NDf u DtUCI MI MS
ter, rs far as we are able, a taste for letters aud ,
love OF science, that will add to the enjoyment as
well as the happiness of all who feel their influence.
Estabiislicd, as this journal will be, at the seat of
government, 1t will be in the power of the editors 10
put their patrons in possession of whatever of in,e-
rest may trinSpire, either in the cabinet or the coun-
ciis OF the nation, and 10 communicate the inior.ia-
ton rs IT comes, Immediately from its source. The
proceedings oil Congress, and sketches of the de-
ba'cs, with the most important official communica-
tons. shall also, be rPptlllr1y Divnn aud -, et,n-. -
effort shall he omitted on the part of the editors tn
render the Journal as interesting and useful as pos
sib!e.
AsWc purpose to be, on ali occasions, perfectly
cahuih, we think II but proper to state, at this time,
Itat, as 1T respects the different candidates for the
Presidential Chair, our choice is decidedly in favor
OF AENRY 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, a. the same time. with that temperance and
courtesywhich we think due to the character NOT
only OF HENRYCLAY, but to that of his rivals, and
which, we are sure, will be more agreeable to all,
than the rude ribaldry aud low s.urriliiy in which
some nave INDUCED in pushing forward the claims
oil their favoritc candidate. The piincipIes to which
Mr.. CLAY has adhered, in the whole of his political
career, are precisely those we shall maintain. We
are advocatesior whatever will conducc to the pros-
pcrIty and welfare of the nation; and the leading
traits OF Mr.. CIAY's political life have been those Of
deep attachment to his country, and to whatever
'f' " otiObe tSII W
advance the cause of freedom, and to protect and
support the unalienable rights ofmau.
vi the course we shall pursue, therefore, and the
principles we shall advocate, we think we have said
enough and, with this brief expose of our intentions,
Ill the establishment of this journal, we throw our
selves upon the public, in the expectation of obtain
ing a portion OF their patronage.
TERMS.
Inc .4mertcam .IcrcwTy will be published on an
imperial paper, three times a week, on the mornings
OF 1~esdaY, Thursday, and Safuriny, during the re-
cess OF Congress, at six dollars per annur,. pavahle
half yearly; and every day during the session. n,
au extra charge of three dollars for each Session.
The publication will probably be commenced
early in August next, by which time. persons bollior
subscription papers, are requested to return them.
All communications addressed 10 the Editors, to
be postpaid.
u Editors OF Newspapers, IN the United States,
arc rcqucsiedto give the above II few Insertions, and
the favor will be chccTfuily recip5oca,ed.
washington, June ;.