The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-23
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PROSP ECTUS.

tbs MADIsosIAN will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party as
delineated by Mr. Madison and will aim to consumma,e
that political reform in the theory and practice OF inc
national government which has been repeatedly lndi-
Gated by the general suerage, essential to the peace
and prosperity of the country, and to the perfection and
perpetuy of its free institutions At this time singu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial IN
terests OF the country are overwhelmed WIN emoaass-
ncnt its monetary concerns are unusually disordereo
every ramihcaon Of society invaded by distress, ana
the social edifce threatened with disorganlzaon
every ear filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murings Of dependency tho general government Is
boldly assaled by large and respectable portion oil he
peopie as the direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance TO the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit Of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons oil the party IN
power; some, from whom better things were hoped are
making the " confusion confounded, by head
long pursuit of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms
totally incompatible with wholesome state OF the
country In the midst OF all these difficulties and en-
barrassmens is feared that many OF the less hrm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wavering 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 aboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exutng IN the antlcipa-
ton of dsay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition are consoirg themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, national party, are
vergng dissolution and they allow no opportunity to
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 is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwise adherence to the plan for
exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
ment and by mpairng public confidence in the credit
SYSTEM which ought to be preserved and regulated but
hay
under which the country is now abouring. All these
seem to indicate the necessity OF organ at the
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 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-
sroyng the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed measure OF contribution Is deemed
essential to the enhancement of selfrespect
home and 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
of inspiring the timd 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, 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
prerogatves 1t will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy pteudces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cipe that the strength and security Of American sti
utons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The MAprsoNAN 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 or local interest 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
SO emnenty characterized the inception, formation and
subsequent adoption, by the several States of the
sttution Of the United States. Moreover, in the
halowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
THE PEOPLE, our press will hasten to its support at
everyemergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever gulse Of philanthropy policy or
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
If, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country conciang
jealouses, and aayng the aspercs Of party warfare,
by demeanng ourself amcably towards all by induly-
ing personal animostes towards none; by conducting
ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable
differ with others in matters Of principle and Of expo
dency 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 the full
of its intention be accomplished, and primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has not been undertaken without the
appreciation, Amusement, and pledged support of many
Of the leading and soundest minds in the ranks OF the
democractc republican party the north and
in the south, in the east and IN the 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
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 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.