The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-08-26
PR OS Pc c T u S


The M.p.oNrAs will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party as
del,neated by Mr. Madison, and will aim to consummate
that political reform in the theory and practice OF the
national government, which has been repeatedly indl-
Gated by tho general suerage as essential to toe peace
and prosperity Of the country and to the perfection ana
perpetuiIy Gifts free institutions AT this time singu-
iar state of affairs is presented The commercial IN
teress of the country overwhelmed with embfrass-
ment; its monetary unusually disordered
every ratification oil society invaded by Distress ana
the social cdce threatened with DISCRIMINATION;
every ear filled with predictions oil evi and the muir
murihgs Of dependency; tho general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF tho
people as the direct of their difficulties; open
resistance to the laws Is publicly encouraged, and
spirit Of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party IN
power some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion coniounded 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 feared that many of the less hm OF
the friends of the administration and supporters oil
democratic principles wayering in their confidence
and beginning without Just cause, to view win dlstrust
those men whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exultng IN the antclpa-
ton Of dsnay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consolrg themselves with tho idea
that Mr.. Van Burcn's friends q national party, are
verging to dissolution and they allow opportunity to
pass unmproved 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 unwise adherence 10 the plan for an
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 70 be preserved and regulated but
destroyed, have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labourng. All these
seem to Indicate the necessity OF a new organ at the
seat of government, to he established upon sound prin
cpes and to represent faithfully and dictate, the
real policy Of the administration and the rue sentiments,
measures and interests, of the great body OF It's sup
poers The necessity also appears OF the adoption OF
more conservative principle than the conduct of those
to indicate who seek TO remedy abuses by de-
stroying the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed some measure OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement OF our own selrespect 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 hoped that 1t will produce the effect
of inspiring the mld 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 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
prerogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prcudces
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prin-
cple that the strength and security OF American istl-
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people.
The M ADlsoNIAN will not, in 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 IT
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession compromise and reciprocal goodwill, which
emlnently characterized the INCEPTION formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States OF the con-
stution of the United States Moreover, IN the same
haowed spirit that has all periods the adoption
of that sacred instrument, characterized IT'S DEFENCE
ny THE PEOPLE, press will hasten to It's support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter,
and under whatever gulse of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear
IT, in this responsible undertaking, 1t shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country in conclang
ealousies and aayng the aspercs of party warfare,
by derncaning oursef amcably towards all by ndulg
ing personal anmosl,cs 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 unkidncss or loss
Of reciprocal respect; aud by asking nothing that IS
not clearly right, and submitting to nothing that IS
wrong" them and not otherwise, will the full measure
of its intention be accomplished and primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has been undertaken without the
approbation Amusement, and pledged support Of many
Of the leading and soundcst minds the ranks Of the
democracc 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 tho 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
Our imports for 1896 IN round numbers amounted 10
hundred and ninety millions, and our exports 10