The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-18
pRosPEcTUs /.

Tup M.pISoSIAN will be devoted to the support oil
the principles and doctrines OF the democratic party as
delineated by Mr. Madison aud VIII aim TO consumma'e
that political reform in the theory and practice OF tne
national government, which has been repeatedly hdi-
Gated nv the general suffrage, essential to the peace
and prosperity OF the country and to the perfection and
perpetuty Of its free institutions AT this time sngu-
H. state Of affairs is presented. The commercial IN
terests Of the country overwhelmed with empafrass
mcnt its monetary concerns are unusually uisoroereu
every ramihcaon of society invaded by DISTRESS ana
The social cd6ce seems threatened with dsorganzation
eyery ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the muir
mprinps Of dependency the general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
peope as the direct cause OF their dlfhcutesi open
resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged ana
s,;ri, of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, necessary
defence to the pretended usurpaons oil the parry N
mower: some from whom better things were hopea, ao
making the " confusion worse conoundeu, Dy heaa
long pursuit of extreme notions and indefinite phanou'
totally incompatible with wholesome sta'e u 'ho
country In the midst of all these difficulties and en-
barrassnents it is feared that many OF the less hrm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters Vi
democratic principles waverng IN their confidence,
and beginning without just cause to view win dstrus
those men to whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have laboured TO promote rom
honest and patriotic motives Exutng IN the anclpa-
ton Of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consolrg themselves with mo idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, as national party are
yerpinp to dissolution and they allow no opportunity to
pass unmproved to give eciat to their own doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their own future
government of the country with seeming commence OF
certain success.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an nnwse adherence 10 the plan for an
srelsire metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
men; and by mpairing public confidence IN the credit
system which ought be preserved and regulated but
not destroyed have tended TO increase the dlfcntles
under which the country is now abouring. All these
seem to indicate the necessity OF new organ Of the
seat of government to 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
porters The necessity also appears oil the adoption oil
more conservative principles than the conduct OF those
seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
sroying the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed some Of contributions deemed
essential the enhancement OF our own sellrespect 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 hoped that it will produce the effect
OF inspiring the tmd 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 10 lead, follow any faction,
to advocate the views oil 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
prerogaves 1t will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal TO any unworthy preudces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prln-
cple that the strength and security OF American insti-
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people. ~" .....
The MAplsoNIkN will not in any event, be made the
instrument of arrayng the north and the SOUTH the
and the west, in hostile attitudes towards each other
upon any subject of either general or local interest 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession compromise and reciprocal good will which
SO eminenty 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, our press will hasten TO its support at
every emergency that shall arse from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise of philanthropy policy,
principle the antagonist power may appear.
IT. in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country in conclang
eaousies and allaying the aspertes Of party warfare
by demeaning ourself amicably towards all by indulg-
ing 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 expe-
dlency, without mixture OF personal unkndness 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 tho 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, advisemen and pledged support of many
of the leading and soundest minds in 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 it competent carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make it
useful as 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 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
III. THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON Cry, d. c. july 1887.