The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-19
PROSPECTUS s.

PROSPECTUS.
The MAprsosIAs will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party as
delneated by Mr. Madison, and will aim 10 consunmate
that political reform the theory and practice oil the
national government which has been repeatedly ind-
Gated by the general suerages essential 70 the peace
and prosperity Of the country, and TO the perfection and
pepeuity Of its free institutions AZ tins time singu-
lar state OF affairs is presented The commercial IN
terests d the country are overwhelmed with embarrass-
ment its monetary concerns are unusually disordered
every qualification OF society is Invaded by distress, and
the social edce threatened with dsorganization;
every ear is filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murings Of dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
neonls as the direct cause of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party IN
power some, from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse confounded, oy ahead
long pursuit OF extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state oil the
country In the midst of all these difficulties and en-
barrassinents feared that many OF the less hrm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters Of
democratic principles are wayering IN their confidence,
and beginning without just cause to view with dstrst
those men TO whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives. Exulting IN the anciPa-
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things
the opposition are consoirg themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, national party, are
vergng dissolution and they allow opportunity to
pass unmproved to give eclat to their own doctrines
They are, indeed maturing plans for their own future
government Of the country, with seeming confidence OIL
certain success.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and unwise adherence TO the plan for an
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment and by mpairng public confidence IN the credit
SYSTEM which ought TO be preserved and regulated but
not DESTROYED, have tended to increase the difficulties
under which tho country is now labourlng All these
seem to indicate the necessity Of organ at the
seat of government to be established upon sound prn-
cples 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
porers The necessity also appears Of the adoption Of
conservative principles than the conduct OF those
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 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 it hoped that it will produce the effect
of inspiring the tmid with courage, the despondlng with
hope and the whole country with confidence in the
administration Of its government. In this view. this
journal will not seek lead to follow any faction, or
advocate the views OF any particular detachment OF
1t will aspire to accord just measure OF sup
port each Of the coordinate branches OF the govern
ment in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogaves twill address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal TO any unworthy peJudces
evil passions 1t will rely Invariably upon the prln-
cple that the strength and security OF American nst-
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people.
The MADlsoNIAN will not, in any event, be made the
instrument Of arrayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west in hostile attitudes towards each other,
upon any subject Of either general or local interest II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
emnently the inception. formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, OF tho con-
sttuton Of the United States Moreover, in the
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
BY THE PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse Of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear
IT. in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity OF the country or IN conclatng
eaousies and allayng the aspertes of party warfare
by demeaniBg ourself amcably towards all; by ndug-
ing personal animosities towards by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters OF principle and OF expe
diency without mixture Of personal unkndness or loss
Of 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
of its intention be accomplished, and our primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has been undertaken without the
appreciation, advsement, and pledged support Of many
of the leading and soundes 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 it competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided and make it
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 TO their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON CRY, d. c. july 1887.