The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-08-19
PR OS P E C T U s.

TIE MAplsoSIAN will be devoted to the support Of
the principles and doctrines OF the democratic party, as
deneated by Mr. Madison, and will aim to consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice oil inc
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
perpetuly Of its free institutions Al this time slngu-
lar stale OF affairs IS presented The commercial IN
tcrests Of the country are overwhelmed win emDaass
cnt; its monetary unusually disordered
every ramhcaton Of society invaded by distress, and
the social edice threatened with dsorganizaton
every ear is filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
Inurngs Of dependency the 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 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 conounded, by head
long pursuit of extreme notions and ndcaite hantoms,
totally incompatible with a wholesome state Of the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barrassinents 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 dstrus
those men 10 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 as the consequence OF these things
the opposition consoing themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Burens friends, national party, are
yergng to dissolution and they allow opportunity to
pass unnproved 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.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwise adherence TO the plan for
crctsre metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy oil the govern
ment and by mpaing 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 labouring All these
seem indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
seat of government to he established upon sound pnn-
cpes and to 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
portes 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-
stroying the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed measure OF contribution Is deemed
essential to the cnhanc of serespect 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 will produce the effect
of inspiring the tmd with courage the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence IN tho
administration of its government In tins view, this
journal will not seek lead follow any faction
to advocate the OF any particular detachment oil
men, Ii 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
preropatives 1t will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preJudices
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cipe that the strength and security OF American stl-
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people.
The MApsoNIAN will not, in any event, be made the
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 II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal good when
emnenty characterized the inception, ormatlon ana
subsequent adoption, by the several States OF the con-
stituton of the United States. Moreover IN the same
aowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
If that sacred instrument characterized DEFENCE
ny THE PEOPLE, our press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arse from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse of philanthropy policy, or
principle, the antagoniy power may appear
good fortune to scceed any degree in promoting the
harmonyand prosperity Of the country or In concatng
eaousies and aayng the asperties OF party warfare,
by demeanng ourself amcably towards all; by lndulg-
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
dency without mixture OF personal unkndness or loss
of reciprocal respect and by asking nothing that is
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 not been undertaken without the
appreciation, Amusement, 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 1t 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 as the
fidelity OF his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON CRY, D. c. July, 1897.