The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-14
PROSPECTUS,

~ u.n,soS,.x will be devoted to the support oil
IA nri,ces and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
de6nea,ed by Mr. Madison and will ann to consummate
that potcal reform in the theory and practice OF tne
national government, which mas oeen leP,a. ,S
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE ss essential TO Inc peace
and nospery OF the country and to the perfection and
,;,v Of its free installations. Al this time singu-
.,.,s Of affairs is presentsd. The commercial m
,eress of the country overwhelmed with emoarass-
mont. It's monetary concerns are unusually dsordered
rao6caton OF society is invaded by distress, and
Tho social ece seems threatened with disorganization;
v car il filled with predictions OF evil aud the muir
muriups of despondcncy the general government Is
boldly assaled by large aud respectable portion OF the
neopie as the direct cause OF their diiicunies open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
snirit of INSTRUMENTATION iostered, as necessary
defence TO the pretended usurpaons OF the party IN
noyer some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse conounuea, oy mead
long pursuit OF extreme notions and INDEFINITE phantoms
totally incompatible with a wholesome state oil the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barnssmens il is feared that many Of the less firm Of
the friends of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wavering IN Their commence
and beginning without Just cause TO view win uisust
those men 10 whom they have been long attached, ana
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exulting IN the anticpa-
on of dsay and confusion amongst the supporters of
the administration as the consequence Of these things,
the opposton are consoirg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, as national party, are
yerunr to dissolution and they allow opportunity TO
pass unimproved to give eclat 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 increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an uuwise adherence 10 the plan for an
erclus,re metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
men and by impairing public confidence In the credit
- L ,kt No. rypl and al hut
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
cpes nd 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
por,ers 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-
s,roynp the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement Of own selfrespect at
home and to the promotion OF the honor ana credit oil
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and it is hoped that it will produce the effect
ofinsprng the tmid 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 to lead, to follow any faction, or
advocate the views Of any particular detachment oil
men 1t will aspire to accord Just measure OF sup
port each of the coordinate branches OF the govern
ment, in the lawful exercise Of their constitutional
prerogatves twill address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prcludices
evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin-
cple that the strength and security Of American nst
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people.
The M,DlsoNIAN will not in any event, be made the
instrument Of arayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west in 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
emneny characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the
stituton of the United States Moreover, in the
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
II, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be
good fortune succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country or IN conciating
eaousies and aayng the aspcrites of party warfare
by demeanng ourself amicaby towards all !; by ndug
ing personal animoses towards none by conducting
ourself the belief that perfectly practicable 10
differ with others IN matters OF principle and OF expe
ency, without mixture Of personal unkndness loss
reciprocal respect; and by i" asking nothing that is
no clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and 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, advsement, 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 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, 1887.