The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-12-09
PROSPECTUS.

TuE M,pIsoNIAS VII be devoted to the support Of
the principles and doc Of the democratic party,
delineaed by Mr. Madi.on and will ann to consumlnate
that political reform IN the theory and practice oil the
national government, which has been repeatedly indi-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential to the peace
and nrosperty OF the country aud the perfection and
popeuity OF its free institutions. At this time singu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial IN
erests Of the country are overwhelmed with embaHass-
ment its monetary concerns are unusually dsodefed
every rancaon Of society invaded by DISTRESS and
the social cdice threatened with dsorganzaion;
every ear is filled with predictions OF evii and Inc muir
murngs Of dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaled by large and respectable portion Of the
peopie as the direct cause Of their difficulties; open
resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged and
spiu, of insubordnaton fostered, as NECESSARY
defence to the pretended usrpatons OF the party in
power; some from whom better things were hoped, are
maknr the confusion worse cohiounded, by head
long pursuit of extreme notions and indefinite phantoms
totally incoppatible with wholesome state Of the
country In the midst OF all these difficulties and en-
harrassnens, feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles waycring IN their confidence.
and beginning, without st cause TO view with dstrust
those men whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have aboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exulhng III the antlcipa-
ton OF dsay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence oil these things
the opposition are consoirg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burens friends, national party, are
yerging dissolution and they allow opportunity 10
pass unimprovcd to give eclat to their own 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, and unwise adherence to the plan for am
srelusipe metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
men and by impairing public confidence In the credit
system which ought to be preserved and regulated but
mot destroyed have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labouring All these
to Indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
of government, to be established upon sound prn
cpes and 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
porters The necessity also appears OF the adoption OF
conservative principles than the conduct OF those
to INDICATE who seek to remedy abuses by de-
stroyng the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed some measure Of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement OF our own serespec a,
home, and to the promotion of the honor and credit Of
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and hoped that it will produce the effect
of inspiring the nld with courage, the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in tho
administration Of its government In this view, this
journal will seek to lead, to follow any faction, or
to advocate the views Of any particular detachment OF
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
prerogaves II will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal TO any unworthy prendices
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prn
clple that the strength and security OF American ms
tutlons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
tbs MADIsoNI,N 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
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession, compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
emineny characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the
stitution Of the United States Moreover in the same
halowed 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 guise of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
IT. in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in conciang
eaousies and aayng the aspertes Of party warfare,
by demeanng ourself amicaby towards all by indulg-
ing personal animoses towards none by conducting
ourself in the belief that is perfectly practicable 10
differ with others IN matters OF principle and OF expe
ency, without mixture OF personal unkinncss loss
reciprocal respect; and by asking nothing that is
no clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong then, and not 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, 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 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.
WASHINGTON CRY, d. G. July, 1887.