The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-25
PRosPECTU s.

The MADisoNIAN will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
delineated BY Mr.. Madison, and will aim to consummae
that political reform in the theory and practice OF the
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
pepeuity Of its free institutions Al this time slngu-
lar state OF affairs is presented The commercial IN
terest. Of the country are overwhelmed with embanass
ment; its monetary concerns are unusually dsordered
every ratification Of society invaded by distress, and
the social edce threatened with disorganzaton;
every ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the MUIR
mnrincs of dependency the general government IS
boldly assailed by large and respectable portion Of the
neopie as the direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spiri, Of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpaons OF the party in
mower some from whom better things were hoped are
making the ..confision worse conounded" 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 en-
barrassmens, is feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wavering In their confidence
and beginning without Just cause to view with distrdst
those men 10 whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have aboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exulting in the anticpa
ton Of disay and confusion amongst the supporters of
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition are consorg themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Burens friends, national party, are
veging to dissolution and they allow opportunity TO
pass unimproyed give ecat 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 unwse adherence to the plan for an
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
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
oypd To incr ease les
under which the country is now labourng. All these
seem to indicate the necessity Of organ at the
seat of government be established upon sound prn-
cpIes 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
poers. 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-
sroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
nccted Indeed some measure of contribution deemed
essential the enhancement Of our own selfrespect 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 hoped that it will produce the effect
of inspiring the timd with courage the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in tho
administration Of its government In this view, this
journal will not seek 10 lead to follow any faction
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
prcrogatves 1t 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 irst
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The MADisoNIAN 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 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
hallowed spirit that has, all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred instrument, characterized IT'S DEFENCE
PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse OF philanthropy, policy,
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, in conciang
ealoses, and aaymg the aspertcs of party warfare,
by demeanng ourself amcably towards all by indulg
ing personal animoses towards none by conducting
ousef in the belief that is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters Of principle and Of expe
ency without mixture Of personal unkindness loss
reciprocal respect; and by asking nothing that is
no clearly right and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise, will the full measure
its intention be accomplished and primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has not been undertaken without the
appreciation, AMUSEMENT, 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 c. july 1897