The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-16
PROSPECTUS.

TuE MApsoNIAs will be devoted to the support OF
the prncipes aud doctrines OF the democratic party as
deneated hy Mr. Madison, and will aim to consnnmate
that political reform in the theory and practice Of he
national government which has been repeatedly indi-
Gated by the general sueage, essential to the peace
and prosperity Of the country and to the perfection and
,e,atuv Of its free institutions. Al this time sngu-
lar state Of affairs is presented. The commercial IN
terests Of the country overwhelmed win emoarrass
ncnt lis monetary concerns unusually dlsordered;
every ramifcaon OF society Is invaded by Distress anu
the social cdhce threatened with disorganzaton
every ear is filled with predictions oil ev and the muir
muripgs of dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
peope as the direct cause OF their difficulties; open
resistance to the laws publicly encouraged, ana
shirt Of nsubordinaton is fostered, necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatlons OF the party IN
mower some from whom better things were hopeu, are
making the confusion worse coniounded, py heao-
long pursuit of extreme notions and indehne phahos
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF Ae
country In the midst of all these difficulties ana sm-
barrassmeuts feared that many OF the less frm OF
the friends OF the administration and supportas "
democratic principles are waverng IN ther cohnaehee.
and beginning, without just cause, to view WIN dis'us.
those men whom they have been long attacheu anu
whose elevation they have laboured to promote rom
honest and patriotic motives. Exnltng IN the anicpa
ton of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration as the consequence OF these things
the opposition consolrg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burens friends, as national party, are
yerging dissolution; and they allow no opporuny'o
pass unimproved to give ecat 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 sincreased by the fact that visionary
theories, and unwise adherence to the plan Tor an
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
ment and by mpairing public confidence in the credit
SYSTEM which ought be preserved and regulated, but
not DESTROYED have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country IS now labourrg. All these
to indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
of government, to be established upon sound pn-
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 It's sup
porters 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-
soyng the institutions with which they are found con-
ncced Indeed OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement of selfrespec at
home and the promotion OF the honor and credit Of
the nation abroad
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and is hoped that it will produce the effect
OF inspiring the tmd with courage, the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence III the
administration of its government. In this view, this
journal will seek TO lead to follow any faction,
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
prerogatives II will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prejudccs
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cpe, that the strength and security OF American nst
tutons 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 local interest II
wall reflect only that spirit and those principles of mutual
concession, compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
emnently characterized the inception, formation and
subsequent adoption by the several States of the con-
stltuton of the United States Moreover in the same
haowed spirit that has, all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred instrument characterized ITS DEFENCE
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.
II, in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity OF the country, in conciliatng
leaiouses and aayng the asperltes Of party warfare
by demeaning oursef amicaby towards all by indulp-
ing personal animosites towards none by conducting
ourse in the belief that is perfectly practicable 10
differ with others in matters of principle and of expe-
doncy, 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 enterprise has not been undertaken without the
appreciation, advsement, and pledged support Of many
OF the leading and soundes minds in the ranks Of the
democractic republican party the extreme north and
IN the extreme south, in the 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 as 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 so
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. .....