The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-11
pROsPEcTUs.

Tug M,plsoNIAN will be devoted TO the support OF
,h ncinles and doctrines OF the democratic party, as
delneaed by Mr. Madison, and WIN ann 70 eonsumnae
,hat noi,ea reform in the theory aud practice OF the
,;on.I government which has been repeatedly indi-
, nv The general suffrage, essential to the peace
mi yosnery Of the country and to the perfection and
perpcuity offs free institutions AZ ths time sngu-
lar state Of affairs is presented. The commercial IN
teress Of the country are overwhemeu WIN enosass
mont; It's monetary concerns are unusually dsordefed
rv ramifcson Of society is invaded by distress, and
the social cdce seems threatened with dsorganlzation;
every ear filed with predictions OF evil and the muir
murinrs Of dependency the general government Is
boldly assaied by large and respectable portion oil the
eonie as the direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance 10 the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt Of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons oil the party IN
mower some from whom better things were hoped are
making the confusion worse coniounded, by ahead-
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 hm OF
the friends OF the administration and supporters OF
democratic prime piles waverng IN their commence.
and beginning, without Just cause, to view win d'suust
those men 10 whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exultlng IN the anticipa-
ton Of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence oil these things,
the opposition are consorg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burcn's friends, as national party are
verging to dissolution and they allow no opporuntyto
pass unimproved 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 isncreased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwise adherence TO the plan for an
ercLusipc metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy Of the govern
men and by impairing public confidence III the credit
,xht m h. ypI nj nd
not DESTROYED have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country now labourng. All these
seem 10 Indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
seat of government 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
pores. The necessity also appears Of the adoption Of
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-
neced Indeed some measure OF contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement of selrespect al
home, and the promotion of the honor and credit of
the nation abroad
To these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and is hoped that will produce the effect
of inspiring the timid with courage, the Responding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in the
administration of its government. In this view, this
journal will not seek lead follow faction,
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
ment in the lawful exercise OF their constitutional
preogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal any unworthy preudices
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn
ciple that the strength and security OF American ns-
utons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people.
The MAplsoNIAN will not, in any event. be made the
instrument OF arraying 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 It
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession compromise, and reciprocal goodwill which
emneny characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States of the
stituton of the United States Moreover, in the
haowed spirit that has at all periods the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
BY PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse OF philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
IT. in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity OF the country, in conciatng
jealouses, and alayng the aspertcs OF party warfare
by demeaning oursclf amcably towards all by indulg-
lug personal anmosities towards none by conducting
oursef in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to
differ with others in matters OF principle and Of expo
dency, without mixture of personal unkndncss loss
reciprocal respect; and by asking nothing that is
Of clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise, will the full measure
for its intention be accomplished and primary rule
# 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 soundcst minds in the ranks OF the
democractc republican party, in the north and
in the extreme SOUTH in the east and in tho 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 Tx the
establishment upon substantial and permanent basis.
The subscriber therefore, relies upon the public for so
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. C. July, 1887