The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-28
PROSPECTUS

Tue M,psoSrAs will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
delineaed by Mr. Madison, and will 70 consummate
that political 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 OF the country and TO the perfection and
pepeuity Of its free institutions Al this time singu-
lar state OF affairs is presented. The commercial IN
terests Of the country are overwhelmed with embaass-
rnent its monetary concerns are unusually dsordered
every ramfcaton Of society invaded by distress, and
the s cdce seems threatened with Reorganization;
eyery ear is filled with predictions Of evil and the muir
murings Of dependency; the general government 10
boldly assaled by large and respectable portion OF the
people as the direct cause of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of INSTRUMENTATION fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpaons of the party in
mower some from whom better things were hoped are
making the confusion worse confounded" 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
barrassnents it is feared that many Of the less firm Of
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are waverng IN their coincidence
and beginning without Just cause to view with dstrus
those men TO whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest aud patriotic motives. Exulting in the anticpa
ton of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence Of these things,
the opposition are consong themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Burcns friends, as national party, are
vergng dissolution and they allow no opportunity TO
pass unimproved to give ecat to their doctrines
They are indeed, maturing plans for their future
government Of the country, with seeming confidence OF
certain success. a ..a.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories, and an unwse adherence to the plan for
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment; and by mpairing 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 labourng. All these
seem to Indicate the necessity Of organ at the
seat of government to be established upon sound prn-
cipes 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 its sup
porters 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 some Of contribution is deemed
essential the enhancement Of our own serespec 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 desPonding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in the
administration of its government In this view, this
journal will seek TO 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 each Of the coordinate branches Of the govern
ment, in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
prerogaves II will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal TO any unworthy preudlces
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cple, that the strength and security Of American ns
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MApIsoNiAN 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 local interest II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
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, all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
BY THE PEOPLE, press will hasten its support
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
II, in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in concliang
eaousies and aayng the aspertes Of party warfare,
by demeanng ourseh amicaby towards all by indulg-
ing personal animostes towards none; by conducting
ourself in the belief that is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters OF principle and Of expe
dency without mixture Of personal unkindness 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 not been undertaken without the
appreciation, advsement, and pledged support Of many
Of the leading and soundest minds in the ranks Of 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 it
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. G. July, 1897.
1Ar.I