The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-10-12
PROSPECTUS S.

T,,r M ,pisoSi,S will he devoted 10 the support oil
the prncpes and doctrines OF the democratic pdfty as
deiineacd BY Nr Madi.on and will ann to consrrnnate
that political reform in the theory and practice oil Inc
national government, which has been repeatedly ind-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE as essential to the peace
and prosperity OF the country and to the perfection and
perneuity of its fee institutions. At this time singu-
lar state Of affairs is prosecuted The commercial IN
terests of the country are overwhelmed wi embarrass-
meat its monetary are unusually disordered
every aIncation Of society is invaded by distress, and
the social cdce seems threatened with disorganlzation;
every ear is filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murinrs Of despondcncy the general government Is
boldly assailed by large and respectable portion OF tho
poopie as the direct OF their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit of nsuborjnation is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpallons OF the party IN
mower soiie from whom better things were hoped arc
making tho confusion contonnded, by head
long pursuit OF extreme notions aud INDEFINITE Phantoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country, In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barrassinents feared that many of the less rn OF
the friends Of the administration aud supporters oil
democratic principles are wayerig IN their commence
and beginning, without Just cause, to view with distust
those TO whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured TO promote from
honest aad patriotic motives Exumg in the antlcpa-
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consong themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burcn's friends, national party, are
yeTgng to dissolution and they allow opportunity TO
mass unnarovcd to give cclat 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, aud unwise adherence TO the plan Tor an
cxctusire metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
ncnt and, by imparng pubic confidence IN the credit
SYSTEM which ought be preserved and regulated, but
not DESTROYED have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labourlng Al these
seem to indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
seat Of government to be established upon sound prln
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 It's sup
porers The necessity also appears Of the adoption OF
conservative principles than the conduct OF those
to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
siroying the institutions with which they found
nccted Indeed some of conrbutioni deemed
essential the enhancement OF our own seltrcspect at
honie 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 mld 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 10 follow any faction, or
to advocate the views Of particular detachment OF
men. II will aspire to accord Jist measure OF sup
lnent, the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogatves II will address itself TO the understandings
OF men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preJudces
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin-
cple that the strength and security Of American nstl-
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MApisoxlAS will not, in any event, be made the
instrument Of anayng the north and the south the cast
and the west, in hostile attitudes towards each other,
upon any subject of either general or local interest u
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession compromise and reciprocal goodwill, which
eninenty characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent, adoption BY the several States, of tho con-
sution Of the United States Moreover, IN the same
halowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
THE PEOPLE our press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse of philanthropy policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
II, in this responsible undertaking. il shall be
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country or in concatng
eaousics and alaying the aspertcs Of party warfare,
by demeaning oursclf amcably towards all; by ndulg-
ing personal anmosilies towards none; by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable
differ with others in matters Of principle and of expo
diency, without mixture OF personal unkndncss or loss
OF 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
Of its intention be accomplished, and primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has been undertaken without the
appreciation, advlsemen 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 h political experience and talent ofthe
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
WAsuiNGToN Cry, D. G. July, 1887