The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-11-14
PROSPECTUS.

Tux NJ .p,sosIAN will be devoted TO the support Of
The nrncnes and doctrines OF the democratic parity as
delneated by Mr. Madison and viii aim 10 consuHima'e
that political reform in the theory and Pncuee OF ne
national government, which has been repeatedly ihdr
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential to the peace
and prosperity of the country and the perfection and
perpetuty Of ts free institutions. AZ TINS time snsu
lar state of affairs is presented The commercial IN
teress of the country overwhelmed with emoasss
ment; its monetary concerns are unusually
every ramc Of society invaded by distress, and
the social ed6ce seems threatened with dsorganizaton
every ear is filed with predictions of evil and the muir
murings of dependency; tho general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
people, the direct cause OF their dficult'es open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit Of INSTRUMENTATION is fosered as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party In
power some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the " confusion worse coniounded, by head
long pursuit Of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and EN-
barrassments it is feared that many of the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wayering IN their confidence
and beginning, without just cause. TO view with disrust
those men whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exung in the anticpa-
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Oh
the administration the consequence Of these things,
the opposition consolirg themselves with tho idea
yerging TO dissolution and they allow opportunity
pass unimproved to give eclat their doctrines.
They are indeed maturing plans for their own future
Of the country with seeming confidence Of
certain success. MIA
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and unwse adherence to the plan for all
ercusirc metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment and by imparng public confidence in the credit
SYSTEM which ought to be preserved and regulated but
destroyed, have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labouring. All these
seem to Indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
seat Of government to be established upon sound prin-
cpcs and to represent faithfully and not to dictate the
real policy of the administration and the true sentiments
measures and interests, Of the great body OF IT'S sup
porers The necessity also appears oil the adoption OF
conservative principles than the conduct Of those
seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
soyng the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed Of contributions deemed
essential to the enhancement of own selfrespect 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 it is hoped that it will produce the effect
of inspiring the nid with courage. the Responding with
hope and the whole country with confidence in tho
administration of its government. In this view, this
journal will seek lead, to follow any faction,
to advocate the views of any particular detachment OF
men. 1t will aspire to accord just measure OF sup
port to each Of the coordinate branches OF the govern
ment, in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
prerogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudces
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cpe that the strength and security OF American insti
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MADIsoNIAN will not in any event, be made the
instrument of arrayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west, hostile attitudes towards each Other
upon any subject Of either general or local interest II
IL ~. IF
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
SO ennenty characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption BY the several States, of the
sttution Of the United States Moreover, in the same
hallowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
BY THE PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise Of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
II, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be
good fortune succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country in conciang
jealousies and allayng the asperes OF party warfare,
by demeaning ourself amcably towards all by indulg
ing personal animosities towards none by conducting
oursef in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters OF principle and OF exPe-
iency without mixture Of personal unkindness or loss
reciprocal respect; and by asking nothing that is
not clearly right and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise, will the full measure
its intention be accomplished, and our primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has not been undertaken without the
appreciation advsement, and pledged support Of many
OF the leading and soundest minds in the ranks Of the
democratic 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 it competent to carry forward
the principles by which will be guided, and make it
useful as 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.