The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-01
PROSPECT US.

Tur MAprsoMAs will be devoted to the support OF
The nrncpes and doctrines Of the democratic party
delineaed by Mr.. Madison, and will aim to consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice OF me
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
pcrpeuity of its free institutions. AT this time sngu-
lar state Of affairs Is presented The commercai IN
ercsts of the country are overwhelmed with embarass
mont its monetary concerns are unusually dsofueea
every amcaton OF society invaded by Distress and
the social cdice seems threatened with dsoganzation
every ear is filled with predictions oil ev ana the muir
murngs Of dependency; the general government IS
boldly assaled by large and Respectable portion Of the
peopie as the direct cause of their difficulties: open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spiri, of characterization is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party IN
power some from whom better things we're hoped, are
making the confusion worse conioundea, py mead
Iona prsut of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally INCOMPATIBLE with a wholesome state OF the
country In the midst of all these difficulties and EN-
barrassmeus feared that many oil the less hrm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters Of
democratic principles are wavering in their confidence
and beginning without just cause to view with disrust
those men to whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exutng in the antcipa-
ton of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consolng themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Burcn's friends, national party
vergng dissolution and they allow opportunity to
pass unimproved to give ecla 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
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy of the govern
men and by mpairing public confidence in the credit
SYSTEM which ought to be preserved and regulated but
II A. Ia
under which the country is now abouring All these
seem indicate the necessity Of new organ at the
seat Of government be established upon sound prin
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
porters 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-
stroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed some of contribution is deemed
essential the enhancement Of our own 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 it hoped that it will produce the effect
OF inspiring the tmid with courage, the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in tho
administration of its government. In this vlew this
journal will not 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 to each Of the coordinate branches of the govern
ment, in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogaves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cipe that the strength and security OF American nsti
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
THE MAplsoNAN 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 local interest II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
eminenty characterized the inception formation and
subsequent adoption by the several States, Of tho
sttution OF the United States Moreover, in the same
hallowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized
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 our
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in concatng
lealouses and aayng the aspertes of party warfare,
by demeanng ourself amicaby towards all by indulg
ing personal animostes towards none by conducting
oursc in the belief that 1t is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters of principle and Of cxpe
ency without mixture OF personal unkndness or loss
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
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, advsement, and pledged support of many
Of the leading and soundest 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 competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make
useful political organ, and interesting as journal
of news Arrangements aso 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 their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.