The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-23
PROSPECTUS

T,v M,n,soNI,S will be devoted TO the support OF
the principles aud doctrines Of the democratic party, as
delneated by Mr. Madison, and will ann to consnmmate
thai polica reform in the theory and practice OF the
national government which has been repeatedly ind
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential TO the peace
and prosperity the country and to the perfection and
perpetuy Of its free institutions. AT this time singu-
lar state Of affairs is presented. The commercial m
teosts Of the country are overwhelmed with emoarrass
mcnt: its monetary concerns are unusually disordered
overy ramicaton of society invaded by distress, and
the social cd6ce seems threatened with disorganizaton
every ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the MUIR
murinps Of dependency; the general government 10
boldly assaed by large and Respectable portion OF the
usone as The direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged, and
snrt 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 confounded, by head
ono pIrsuit of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state Of the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and
barassments it is feared that many Of the less firm of
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles waverng in their confidence,
and beginning, without Just cause, to view with distrust
those men to whom they have been long attached. and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives. Exulting in the anticpa
ton of dsay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence oil these things,
the opposition are consorg themselves with tho idea
III.
yergnp TO dissolution; and they allow opportunity 10
pass unmproved TO give ecat to their doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their own future
government Of the country, with seeming confidence Of
certain success
This confidence increased by the fact that visionary
theories, and an unwse adherence to the plan for an
ercusire metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
ment and, by mpairlng 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 labourng. All these
seem to Indicate the necessity of new organ at the
scat of government be established upon sound prn
cples 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
pocrs. 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-
nccted Indeed some of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement OF serespect at
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, aud the whole country with confidence in the
administration of its government. In this view, this
journal will seek lead, to follow any faction or
to advocate the views of any particular detachment Of
1t will aspire to accord just measure OF sup
port to each Of the coordinate branches of the govern
men in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
perogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy Preudices
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cpe, that the strength and security oil American inst
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MADIsoNIAN 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 II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
50 emnenty characterized the inception formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the
stitution Of the United States Moreover, in the
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized
BY PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear
IT, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be
good fortune succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in concang
caousies, and alayng 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 expc-
ency without mixture OF personal unkindness or loss
reciprocal respects and by asking nothing that is
no clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise, viii tho full measure
its intention be accomplished, and 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 oil 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 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
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, 1897.