The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-12
PROSPECTUS.

The MADIsONIAN VIII be devoteu 10 the support OF
tho principles and doctrines Of the democratic party,
delineated by Mr. Madison, and will TO consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice oil the
national government, which has been repeatedly ndi-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential TO the peace
and prosperity Of the country and to the perfection and
pepetuy of its free institutions. Al this time sngu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial In
forests of the country overwhelmed with embarrass-
ment its monetary concerns are unusually disordered
every ram6caton OF society invaded by Distress and
the social cdfce seems threatened with disorganzaion
every ear is filled with predictions Of evil and the muir
murings of dependency tho general government is
boldly assaied by large and respectable portion Of tho
people, as the direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit OF insubordnation is fostered necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party IN
power some, from whom better things were hoped are
making tho confusion confounded," by head
long pursuit Of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state oil the
country In the midst of all these difficulties and en-
barassmens, feared that many OF the less hrm oil
the friends of the administration and supporters of
democratic principles wavering in their confidence
and beginning, without just cause. to view with distrust
those 10 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 Of these things
the opposition consong themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burens friends, national party, arc
vergng to dissoluton and they allow no opportunity to
pass unmproved 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 isincrcased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwise adherence TO the plan for
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
mcnt and by mpairpg public confidence In the credit
SYSTEM which ought to be preserved and regulated, but
not destroyed have tended to increase the dlfcuties
n IL =. -
seem to indicate the necessity Of organ at the
seat Of government be established upon sound prn
cples 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
to indicate who seek TO remedy abuses by de-
sroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement OF own seltrespect 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 is hoped that will produce the effect
of inspiring tho 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 a Just measure OF sup
port to each Of the coordinate branches OF the govern
ment in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
of men, rather than appeal any unworthy prejudces
or evil passions. II will rely invariably upon the prin-
ciple that the strength and security Of American mst
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people : 49, 49,
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
concessions compromise, and reciprocal good which
tho finn anl
subsequent adoption by the several States, OF the con-
sttution Of the United States Moreover, in the same
haowed spirit that has all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
PEOPLE, our press will hasten 70 Its support al
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse OF philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
IT. in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in conciatng
jealouses and alayng the aspertes of party warfare
by demeaning oursef amicaby towards all by indug-
ing personal anmosites towards none by conducting
ourse in the belief that is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters Of principle and OF expo
dency without mixture OF personal unklndness 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 our primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has been undertaken without the
appreciation, adysement and pledged support of many
Of the leading and soundest minds 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 it 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 as the
nf
prove itself entitled to receive. .
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON Cry, d. c. July, 1887.