The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-16
PROSPECTUS.

Tup M.pIsosIAN will be devoted TO the support OF
the nrincipes and doc Of the democratic party as
deineaed by Mr.. Madison, and will aim to consummate
that potical reform in the theory and practice Of the
national government which has been repeatedly indi-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE, essential to the peace
and prosperity OF the country, and to the perfection and
ne,a,,ty Of its free institutions. AT this time singu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial in
tests of the country are overwhelmed with embarrass-
ment monetary concerns are unusually disordered
every ramfcaton OF society is invaded by Distress and
the social ed6ce seems threatened with dsorganzation
every ear is filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murnqs OF dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
people, as the direct cause OF their difhcues open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged and
shirt of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usupations Of the party in
mower: somc from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse coniounded, by head
long pursuit OF extreme notions ana INDEFINITE phantoms
totally incompatible with a wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and EN-
barrassmens it is feared that many Of the less firm Of
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wavering 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 aboured to promote from
homes, and patriotic motives Exulting in the antcipa-
ton Of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things
the opposition are consolirg themselves with tho idea
u
yegng to 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 OF
certain success. If"
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and unwise adherence to the plan for an
ereusrc metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and the policy of the govern
ment and by mparing public confidence in the credit
system, which ought to be preserved and regulated but
not destroyed have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country Is now abourng All these
seem to Indicate the necessity of organ at the
seat Of government be established upon sound prn
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 It's sup
portes The necessity also appears Of the adoption Of
more conservative principles than the conduct Of those
seems to indicate who seek remedy abuses by de-
stroying the institutions with which they found con-
neced 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. .r.'>
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and hoped that will produce the effect
of inspiring the tnid with courage, the responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence IN the
administration Of its government. In this view, this
journal will not seek TO lead, to follow any faction
advocate the views of any particular detachment OF
men, 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 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudices
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cipe that the strength and security Of American inst
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people.
The MADisoNAN 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
upon any subject of either general or local interest 1t
that's of
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
eininenty characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the con-
stitution of the United States Moreover, in the
halowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
by THE PEOPLE, press will hasten its support at
every emergency that shall ARISE from whatever quarter
and under whatever gulse Of philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear
IT. in this responsible undertaking. it shall be
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in concliang
eaousies, and alaying the asperes Of party warfare,
by demeanng ourself amcably towards all by indulg
ing personal animosities 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 unkndness 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 our 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 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 as the
fidelity Of his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON Cry D. c. July, 1887.