The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-07
PROSPECTUS.

Tur MApIsoNIAx will be devoted to the support Of
tho principles aud doctrines OF the democratic party, as
deneatei by Mr. Madison, and will aim to consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice oil the
national government, which has been repeatedly ind-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential TO the peace
and prosperity of the country, and to the perfection and
neneitv of its free institutions AT this time singu-
H. stale of affairs is presented. The commercial IN
terests OF the country are overwhelmed WIN emoarrass-
nont its monetary concerns are unusually disordered
every ramfcaton OF society is invaded by distress, ana
the social cdice threatened with dlsorganlzaton;
every ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the MUIR
mnrinos of despondency the general government Is
boldly assaiIed by large and respectable portion oil the
peopie as the direct cause OF their difcuities open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of insubordnation Is iostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpaons OF the party IN
power some from whom better things were hoped are
making the confusion worse coniounded ny head-
long pursuit OF extreme notions ana lndehhte Phahtoms
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and EN-
il feared that many Of the less firm Of
the friends of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are waverng In their confidence
and beginning, without Just cause, to view with dstrus
those men whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exulting III the antlcpa
ton of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things
the opposition are consorg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burcns friends, as national party, are
yeping 10 dissolution and they allow no opportunity to
pass unimproved give ecat>to their own doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their own future
government Of the country, with seeming confidence OF
certain success.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and unwise adherence TO the plan for an
ercusire metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment and BY mpairing public confidence in the credit
ph,rh In he
not DESTROYED have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labourng. All these
seem to indicate the necessity of organ at the
seat of government to be established upon sound pn
cpes and represent faithfully and not to dictate, the
real policy Of the administration, and the true sentiments
measures and interests, OF the great body OF its sup
porters The necessity also appears OF the adoption of
more conservative principles than the conduct OF those
seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
stroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed some measure OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement of own serespect at
home and to the promotion Of the honor and credit of
the nation abroad. .#-.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and is hoped that it will produce the effect
Of inspiring the timd with courage, the desponding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence IN tho
administration Of its government In this view, this
journal will not seek lead follow any faction
to advocate the views of any particular detachment Of
1t will aspire to accord Just measure oil sup
port to each of the coordinate branches OF the govern
ment in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
prerogatves II will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prejudces
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prln-
cpe, that the strength and security Of American lnsti
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people
The MAplsoNIAN will not, in any event be made the
instrument of arayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west in hostile attitudes towards each other,
unOn q uene
will reflect only that spirit aud those principles OF mutual
concession compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
enlnently characterized the inception, iormaon and
subsequent adoption by the several States, Of tho
stution of the United States Moreover, in the
hallowed spirit that has all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized ITS
BY THE PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy,
principle the antagonist power may appear
IT. in this responsible undertaking, it shall be
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, in concatng
Jealouses, and allayng the asperes OF party warfare
by demeanng ourself amcably towards all by indulg
ing personal animoslties towards none by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters OF principle and Of expe
ency, without mixture Of personal unkindness or loss
reciprocal respect; and by asking nothing that is
no clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise, will the full measure
its intention be accomplished and primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied.
This enterprise has not been undertaken without the
appreciation Amusement, and pledged support Of many
of the leading and soundest minds in the ranks Of the
democractic republican party in the extreme north and
in the extreme south, in the east and in the west An
association Of both political experience and talent of the
highest order will render competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make
useful political organ, and interesting journal
OF news Arrangements also have been made to fix the
establishment upon substantial and permanent basis.
The subscriber therefore, relies upon the public for
much Of their confidence and encouragement only the
fidelity Of his press their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN
WASHINGTON Cry, ID. c. July 1887.