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

Tuv M,msoSI,S will be devoted to the support oil
the principles aud doctrines oil the democratic party as
delneatei by Mr. Madison, and will ann to consumnaie
that political reform IN the theory and pracuee o. the
national government which has been repeatedly midi
Gated nv the general SUFFRAGE essential to the peace
and nrosDery of the country. aud to the perfection and
perpetuy Of its free institutions Al this time sngu-
lar state Of affairs presented. The commercial M
teress Of the country overwhelmed with embarass
men: its monetary concerns are unusually disordered
every ram6c Of society invaded by DISTRESS and
the social cdce threatened with disorganIzaton
every ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the muir
mnrings Of dependency; the general government is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
peope as the direct OF their dfhculties; open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of INSTRUMENTATION is ostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpations 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 phantoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barassnents feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wayerng IN their confidence
and beginning, without just cause. to view with dlsrust
those men TO whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exultng in the antcipa
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence Of these things,
the opposition consolIg themselves with tho idea
yergng to dissolution and they allow opportunity TO
pass unmproved 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 an unwse adherence 10 the plan for
srclusoe metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual aud 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 the country is now labonring. All these
to Indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
Of government, to be established upon sound prin
cples and to represent faithfully and 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
seems to Indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
sroyng the institutions with which they are found
nccted Indeed of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement Of own erespect at
home and 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 timd 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 10 lead to follow any iaCton or
to advocate the views OF any particular detachment OF
men, II will aspire to accord Just measure Of sup
eaCn
ment in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
prerogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prcJudces
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prln-
cpe that the strength and security OF American nsti
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people
The MaprsoNrAS will not, in any event, be made the
instrument Of arayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west, hostile attitudes towards each other,
upon subject of either general local interest 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession compromise, and reciprocal goodwill, which
einenty characterized the ncepton, formation and
subsequent adoption by the several States of the
sution Of the United States. Moreover, in the
halowed spirit that has, all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
THE PEOPLE, our press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever gulsc OF philanthropy, policy or
principle, the antagonist power may appear
If, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity oil the country concatng
Jealouses, and alayng the aspertes of party warfare,
by demeaning oursef amicably towards all by indulg
ing personal anmoslties 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 unkndness or loss
reel procal respect; and by asking nothing that is
no clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" them 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, advisemen 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 il
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 so
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 ID C. Julv ls37