The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-21
PROSPECTUS.

Tug M,plsoSIAN will be devoted to the support OF
the principles aud doctrines Of the democratic party as
deineaed by Mr. Madison, and will ann to consummate
that POLITICAL reform in the theory and practice Of the
national government, which has been repeatedly ndl-
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 sngu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial IN
terests of the country overwhelmed with enbarass
mont i,s monetary concerns are unusually disordered
every ramfcaton Of society Is invaded by distress, and
the social cdee threatened with dlsorganizatlon;
eyery ear filled with predictions OF evl and the mur-
muripps of dependency; the general government is
boldly assaled by large and respectable portion OF the
neopie as the direct cause of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of insuhordnaton is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons Of the party in
power some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse conounded," by head
long pursuit OF extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst of all these difficulties and
barrassnens il is feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are waverng IN their confidence.
and beginning without st cause, to view with distrist
those men TO whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have labonred to promote from
honest and patriotic motives. Exultlng IN the anticpa-
ton OF dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence oil these things,
the opposition are consoirg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burcn's friends, national party,
yergng dissolution and they allow opportunity
pass uninproyed to give eclat to their doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their future
government Of the country, with seeming confidence OF
certain success.
This confidence is increased BY the fact that visionary
theories, aud unwise adherence 10 the plan for an
ercius,re metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
men 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 labourng. All these
seem TO indicate the necessity Of new organ at the
seat Of government TO be established upon sound prn
cipes and represent faithfully, and not to dictate the
real policy of the administration, and the sentiments
measures, and interests, Of the great body OF 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-
stroying the institutions with which they found
nected Indeed some measure OF contribution deemed
essential the enhancement of own sefrespect 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 is hoped that it will produce the effect
OF inspiring the mld with courage, the Responding with
hope and tho whole country with confidence in tho
administration OF its government. In this view, this
journal will not seek 10 lead, 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 to each of the coordinate branches Of the govern
ment, in the lawful exercise OF their constitutional
preogatives II will address itself the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudices
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cple that the strength and security Of American inst-
tuions depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people,
The MApisoNIAN will not, in any event. be made the
instrument Of arraying the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west, in hostile attitudes towards each other
upon any subject of either general or local interest II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal good will which
enneuty characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption, by the several States, of the
sttuton of the United States Moreover, in the same
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever gulse 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, or in concang
ealouses and allayng the asperes OF party warfare,
by demeaning onrseif amcably towards all by indulg
ing personal anmosities towards none by conducting
oursef in the belief that it is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters OF principle and Of cxpe
iency, without mixture of personal unkindness or loss
reel procal respect; and by asking nothing that is
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 soundes minds in the ranks Of the
democractc 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 competent carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make it
useful as 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
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, 1887.