The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-11-03
PROSPECTUS.

THr MAprsoSIAS will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
deneaed by Mr. Madison, and will aim to eonsuinmate
that political reform in the theory and practice The
national government, which has been repeatedly indi-
Gated BY the general SUFFRAGE essential to the peace
ami rospery of the country and the perfection and
nepeIy of its free institutions. Al this time singu-
Tar state Of affairs is presented. The commercial IN
terests Of the country overwhelmed whh emoaass
ncnt its monetary concerns are unusually dsordefed
every amfcation OF society . invadea " anu
the social cd6ce seems threatened with dsorganzaon;
every ear is filed with predictions Of evil aud the muir
mnriynqs Of despondency the general government IS
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
people as the direct OF their diffcuites open
resistance 10 the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit OF INSTRUMENTATION Is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons Of the party ~
mower some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the "confison worse confounded," by head
long pursuit of extreme notions and INDEFINITE phamoms
totally incompatible with a wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barrassments it feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters oil
democratic principles are waverng In their confidence.
and beginning, without Just cause to view with dstrust
those men to whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have labonred to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exciting IN the antcipa-
ton Of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition are consoEg themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Burcns friends, national party, are
vergng to dissolution and they allow no opportunity to
pass unimproved to 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 unwse 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 mpairing public confidence in the credit
uht IN he spryel
not destroyed, have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labouring All these
seem Indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
seat of government to he established upon sound prin
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
porers 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-
sroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
nected. Indeed some measure Of contribution Is deemed
essential to the enhancement Of our own sefrespect at
home, and to the promotion of the honor and credit Of
the nation abroad H..".
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and it hoped that it will produce the effect
OF inspiring the timd with courage the despondQg with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in the
administration Of its government In this view this
journal will not seek to lead, or to follow any faction or
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 preludces
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn
cple that the strength and security Of American lnst-
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
THE MADlsoNrxN 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,
nv nj pithc lnro
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession compromise and reciprocal good will, which
eminenty characterized the inception formation and
subsequent ADOPTION by the several States of the
stltuon Of the United States Moreover in the same
haowed spirit that has at all periods the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized IT'S DErENcE
BY THE PEOPLE, our 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 to succeed any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity OF the country or in couciatng
]eaousles and alayng the aspertes Of party warfare,
by demeaning ourself amcably towards all by ndulg
ing personal anmosities towards none; by conducting
onrsclf in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters of principle and OF expe-
lency, 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 primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied.
This enterprise has been undertaken without the
APPRECIATION Amusement, and pledged support Of many
OF the leading and soundes minds in the ranks Of the
democractc 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
useful as political organ, and interesting as 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.
.a" THOMAS ALLEN.
I,