The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-28
PROSPECTUS S.

Tur M.p,soSI,S will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party as
delineaed BY Mr. Mad.on, and will aim TO consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice me
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
perpetuity of its free institutions Al this time singn-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial In
teress of the country are overwhelmed WIN emoaTass-
ment; its monetary are unusually disordered
every ramcstion OF society is invaded by distress, and
the social cd6ce threatened with disorganzaion
eyery ear is filed with predictions OF evil and tho MUIR
murings OF despondepcy; tho general government Is
boldly assailed by large and respectable portion OF the
people rs tho direct OF their difficulties open
resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit of INSTRUMENTATION is fosered as necessary
defence 10 the pretended usurpations OF the party IN
power some from whom better things were hoped are
making the confusion worse confounded, 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 en-
il is feared that many Of the less hm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters oil
democratic principles are wavering IN their confidence
and beginning, without just cause to view WIN distrust
those men 10 whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exung in the anticipa-
ton Of dsay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these Things,
the opposition consolng themselves with the idea
IL.
yerging to dissolution; and they allow opportunity TO
pass unmproved 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 .fs..a 4. . &y {ata 2.
This confidence is increased by the fact, that visionary
theories, and an unwse adherence to the plan for
srelusipe metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
meut 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
seat OF government be established upon sound prn
cipes and represent faithfully and not to dictate, the
real policy the administration and the true sentiments,
measures and interests Of the great body of its sup
porler 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-
stroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
neced Indeed some measure OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement OF our own serespect at
home, and the promotion Of the honor and credit OF
the nation abroad ...a .t.,.t.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and it hoped that it will produce the effect
of inspiring tho timd with courage the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence IN the
administration of its government In this view, this
journal viii seek lead to follow any faction
advocate the views of any particular detachment OF
1t will aspire to accord last measure OF sup
port to each Of the coordinate branches Of the govern
ment in the lawful exercise OF their constitutional
preropatyes 1t will address itself the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal any unworthy Preudlces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn
cipe that the strength and security Of American ns
tutons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people Il
instrument of aaying 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 goodwill which
so emneny characterized the inception, formation, and
adoption by the several States, Of the con-
sttution of the United States Moreover, IN the same
haowed spirit that has at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized ITS DEFENCE
BY THE PEOPLE, 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
r. in this responsible undertaking, 1t shall be our
good fortune to succeed any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in conclliatng
jealouses and aayng the asperties OF party warfare
by demeanng oursef amicaby towards all by indulg
ing personal animosites towards none by conducting
oursef in the belief that is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters Of principle and OF expe-
dency without mixture OF personal unkindness or loss
of reciprocal respect; and by asking nothing that Is
not clearly right and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise, will the full measure
Of its intention be accomplished, and our primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprze 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 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 as the
fidelity OF his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON Cry d. c. July, 1887