The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-19
PRosPECTUs s..

Tur MApIsoNIAN will be devoted TO the support OF
the PRINCIPLES and doctrines Of the democratic party as
delineated by Mr. Madison, and will aim TO consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice Of the
national government which has been repeatedly ndi-
Gated by The general suffrage, essential TO the peace
and prosperity Of the country, and to the perfection and
nemetuty Of its free institutions. AT this time sngu-
lar state OF affairs is presented The commercial m
teress of the country overwhelmed with embarrass
mcnt; its monetary concerns are unusually disordeed
every ramic Of society invaded by Distress and
the social cdice seems threatened with dsorganzston
every ear is filled with predictions of evil and the muir
murinps of despondency tho general government Is
boldly assaod by large and respectable portion Of the
people, as the direct cause OF their dlhcutes open
Resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spir;t Of insubordnaton is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpations OF the party in
mower some from whom better things were hoped, are
making tho confusion worse confounded, 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-
barrassments is feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends of the administration and supporters Of
democratic principles waverng IN their confidence.
and beginning without just cause to view with dlstrust
those men whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have aboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exuting in the ancipa-
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence oil these things,
the opposition are consoling themselves with tho idea
yergng to dissolution and they allow opportunityto
pass unimproved give ecla to their own doctrines.
They are, indeed maturing plans for their own future
Of the country, with seeming confidence OF
certain success.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories, and unwise adherence 10 the plan for
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment 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 labouring All these
seem to Indicate the necessity Of new organ at the
seat Of government to be established upon sound prn
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 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-
stroying the institutions with which they found
nected Indeed some measure OF contribution deemed
essential to the enhancement of our own serespect 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 hoped that it will produce the effect
ofinspring the mid 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 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
preogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preudces
or evil passions It will rely invariably upon the prin
cple that the strength and security Of American insti
tu,ions depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MADlsoNIAN will not in any event, be made the
instrument Of arrayng 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
and q
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
emnenty characterized the inception formation and
subsequent adoption, by the several States Of the
stitution of the United States. Moreover, in the
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized
BY THE PEOPLE, press will hasten its support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise Of philanthropy, policy or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
If, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, in concating
eaousies, and allaying the aspercs Of party warfare
by demeaning ourself amcably towards all by ndug-
ing personal animosities towards none by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters Of principle and Of expe
iency without mixture Of personal unkindness or loss
reciprocal respect and by asking nothing that is
clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, 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 been undertaken without the
APPRECIATION advisement, 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 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 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.
w. L..