The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-11-03
PROSPECTUS.

Tin MAplsoSrAx will be devoted TO the support OF
the principles and doctrines OF the democratic party, as
delneated by Mr. Madison, and will ann to consulnmaie
that political reform in the theory and practice Of the
national government, which mas oeen repeatedly inu
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE as essential to the peace
and prosperity Of the country and TO the perfection and
nerpetuy OF its free institutions AT this time slngu-
Tar state Of affairs is presented. The commercial in
teress Of the country are overwhelmed with embarrass-
nent: its monetary concerns unusually disordered
every amifcaon Of society Is invaded ny Distress ana
the social cdfce seems threatened with disoganzaton;
every car Is filed with predictions Of evil and the muir
murings Of dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaied by large and respectable portion OF the
people as the direct cause Of their difhculties open
resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged, and
sDir,, of INSTRUMENTATION is fosered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party 70
mower; some from whom better things were hoped are
making the = confusion worse coniounded by head
long pursuit OF extreme notions and INDEFINITE phanloms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF Inc
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barrassnents, feared that many OF the less irm OF
the friends of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles waverlng in their confidence
and beginning without Just cause, to view with distrust
those men 10 whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exutng M the anticpa-
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence OF these things
the opposition consong themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Burcns friends, national party, are
yerpng to dissolution and they allow opportunity TO
pass unnproved to give eclat to their doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their own future
government OF the country, with seeming confidence OF
certain success. ... .s. Va.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories, and unwlse adherence TO the plan for an
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment and, by imparng 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 new organ at the
Of government to he established upon sound pr-
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
poers The necessity also appears Of the adoption Of
conservative prncpl than the conduct of those
to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
sroying the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed some Of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement Of our selrespect 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 the nld 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, to follow any faction,
to advocate the views OF any particular detachment OF
men. 1t will aspire to accord a just measure OF sup
ment, in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogatives 1t will address itself TO the understandings
OF men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preJudlces
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cpe, that the strength and security OF American nst
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The MAplsoNIAN 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 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession compromise, and reciprocal good will, which
eminently characterized the inception formations and
subsequent adoption by the several States of the con-
sttution Of the United States. Moreover, in the
haIlowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument characterized ITS DEFENCE
BY THE PEOPLE, our press Will hasten to It's support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter,
and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy or
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 conciatng
ealouses and aayng the asperties Of party warfare,
by demeaning oursef amicably towards all; by ndug
ing personal anmosites towards none; by conducting
ourse in the belief that it is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters Of principle and OF expe
iency, without mixture Of personal unkndness loss
reciprocal respect; and by +" asking nothing that is
not clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong them 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, advisemen 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 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 the
fidelity of his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive
THOMAS ALLEN.
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