The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-10-24
PROSPECTUS.

T,c M,,,soSr,s will be devoted 10 the support OF
the rncpes and doctrines OF the democratic party, as
delineaed by Mr. Madison aud wall ann to consummate
that political reform in the theory and prscpce tne
national government which has been repeatedly indi-
Gated BY the general suffrage as 70 The peace
and prosperity Of the country and to the perfection and
nernetnty OF It's free institutions. At this time sngu-
ar state Of affairs is presented The commercial IN
terests of the country overwhelmed with embaass-
mcnt its monetary concerns unusually dsordered
every ramhcaton OF society invaded by distress, ana
the social cdlfce threatened with dsorganzaon;
every ear is filled with predictions Of evil and the muir
murngs of dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaed by large aud respectable portion OF the
people as the direct OF Their difficulties; open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit of INSTRUMENTATION Is iostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party IN
power some, from whom better things were hoped are
making the confusion worse contounded' by head
long pursuit OF extreme notions and indefinite phanous,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barrassments it feared that many of the less firm OF
the friends of the administration aud supporters OF
democratic principles waverng IN their confidence.
and beginning without just cause, to view with dlstrust
those men TO whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives. Exultng III the antlcipa
ton of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consorg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Buron's friends as national party, are
vetgng dissolution and they allow opportunity to
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. .a.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwse adherence to the plan for
erciusre metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and policy of the govern
ment and, by mpairing public confidence in the credit
syscm which ought to be preserved and regulated, but
destroyed have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labourlng, All these
seem indicate the necessity Of new organ at the
seat of government, to be established upon sound pr
cpes aud 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
poers The necessity also appears OF the adoption of
more principles than the conduct OF those
seems to Indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
stroylng the institutions with which they found con-
nccted Indeed some measure OF contribution Is deemed
essential to the enhancement OF selfrespect
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 the 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 or to follow any faction, or
to advocate the views of any particular detachment of
men. 1t will aspire to accord Just measure Of sup
port each Of the coordinate branches of the govern
mcnt, in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
prcrogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
OF men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudces
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cpIe, that the strength and security Of American ns
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The MADlsoNiAN will not in any event. be made the
instrument of arrayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west, hostile attitudes towards each other
upon any subject Of either general local interest. 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles of mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
ennently character the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the
s,tution of the United States Moreover, in the same
halowed spirit that has, all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
ny THE PEOPLE press will hasten its support at
every emergency that shall ARISE from whatever quarter
aud under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
IT, in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, concatng
Icalouses and alayng the aspertes OF party warfare,
by demeanlng oursel amcably towards all by indug-
Ing personal anmosltles towards none by conducting
ou,clf in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters OF principle and of expe-
lvncy, without mixture of personal unkindncss loss
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
It's intention be accomplished and primary rule
for It's guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
Tins enterprise has not been undertaken without the
APPRECIATION, Amusement, and pledged support of many
OF the leading and soundcs minds in the ranks of the
dcmocractic republican party in the extreme north and
IN the extreme south, in the and in the west An
association Of both political experience and talent Of the
highest order will render it competent carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make it
useful 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 so
much of their confidence and encouragement only as the
fidelity of his press their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive
THOMAS ALLEN
WAsnISGroS CRY, D. c. JULY 1897.