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

TuE M.ptsoNIAN will be devoted TO the support OF
the PRINCIPLES and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
deneated by Mr. Madison, and viii ann TO consumma'e
that political reform in the theory and practice OF the
national government, which has been repeatedly ind
Gated by the general suffrage, essential TO the peace
and prosperity Of the country, and to the perfection and
perpetuty its free institutions AZ this time singu
lar state Of affairs Is presented The commercial m
mont. is monetary concerns unusually disordered;
every Of society invaded by distress, and
the social edce threatened with disorganlzatlon
every ear is filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murings Of despondcncy; tho general government -
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
neonle as the direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of INSTRUMENTATION 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 contounded,' by q head
Jono nIrsuit of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and en-
barrassnents 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 distrust
those men to 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 dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition are consorg themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, national party, are
vergng to dissolution and they allow no opportunity to
pass unmproved to give eclat to their own doctrines
They are, indeed maturing plans for their own future
Of the country with seeming confidence Of
certain success.
This confidence increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwise adherence TO the plan for
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
ment and by imparng public confidence in the credit
system which ought be preserved and regulated but
destr have tended n
under which the country is now abouring All these
seem to Indicate the necessity Of new organ at the
seat Of government to be established upon sound prin
cpes and represent faithfully and not to dictate the
policy of the administration and the true sentiments,
measures and interests Of the great body Of its sup
porers 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-
nected Indeed some Of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement of own selfrespect 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
ofnsplrng the tmid with courage, the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in the
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
men. 1t will aspire to accord just measure Of sup
port each of the coordinate branches OF the govern
prerogatves will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy pejudces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cple that the strength and security Of American insti
tu,ons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MADlsoNIAN will not, any event, be made the
instrument Of arrayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west, 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
emnenty characterized the inception formation and
subsequent adoption, by the several States Of the
stituton of the United States. Moreover in the same
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument characterized DEFENCE
BY PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy
principle, the antagonist power may appear
If, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, or in concatng
ealousies and allaying the aspercs of party warfare
by demeaning ourself amcably towards all by ndug-
ing personal anmosltles 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 unkndness or loss
reciprocal 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 been undertaken without the
appreciation, Amusement, and pledged support Of many
Of the leading and soundest minds the ranks Of the
democractc republican party, in the extreme north and
in the 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 1t 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 a substantial and permanent basis.
The subscriber therefore, relies upon the public for
fidelity Of his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON Cry, d. c. July, 1887.