The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-10-03
ROsPECTU s.

Tn, NJ ,nsoNl An will be devoted to the support OF
,h rcn,es and doctrines OF the democratic party,
deneated by Mr. Madison, and will ann TO consumnate
,hat notica reform the theory and practice OF the
national government which has been repeatedly midi
Gated by the general suffrage, essential to the peace
and prosperity Of the country and to the perfection and
eretny of its free institutions At this time singu
lar state of affairs is presented. The commercia IN
terests Of the country overwhelmed with enbarrass-
ncn: its monetary concerns are unusually uisoruereu
every ramcaon OF society Is invaded by distress, ana
the social cdlhce threatened with dsorganizaton
every ear filed with predictions Of evil and the muir
mnrinus of despondency tho general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion Of the
people, as the direct cause OF their difficulties; open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, ana
spirit OF INSTRUMENTATION is iosteed, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party IN
power some, from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse conounded,' by mead
long pursuit of extreme notions and undermine phanoms
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst OF all these difficulties and en-
barrassnens il is feared that many OF the less hrm oil
the friends of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wavering IN their confidence.
and beginning without Just cause to view with dsrust
those men whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have labourcd to promote from
honest and patriotic motives, Exultng IN the anticpa-
ton Of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consolirg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, as national party are
yerpnp to dissolution and they allow opportunity TO
pass unimproved 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. " .. ~
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories, and unwlse adherence TO the plan Tor All
ereluS,pe 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
destroyed have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country now abouring. All these
seem to indicate the necessity of organ at the
seat of government to be established upon sound prn
cpes md to represent faithfully, and 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-
stroying the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed some measure OF contribution deemed
essential the enhancement Of our own sefrespect
home and to the promotion of the honor and credit of
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and hoped that it will produce the effect
of inspiring the tmId 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, follow any faction,
to 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
prerogatves Twill address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cple that the strength and security Of American nst
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people. .u... VS.
The MApisoNIAN 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 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
SO eminently characterized the inception formation and
subsequent adoption by the several States of the con-
sttution 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 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
IT. in this responsible undertaking, 1t shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity of the country or IN concliatng
jeaousies, and allaylng the asperes OF party warfare
by demeaning ourself amcably towards all by indug
ing personal animostles towards none by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others matters OF principle and OF expe-
diency, without mixture Of personal unkindness 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 primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied.
This enterprise has been undertaken without the
approbation advisement and pledged support OF many
Of the leading and soundest minds the ranks Of the
democratic republican party, in the extreme north and
in the extreme south, 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 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 to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON Cry, D. c. July, 1887