The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-25
PROSPECTUS.

TIE MApIsoNIAN will be devoted TO the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
delineated by Mr. Madison, and will ann to consumnate
that political reform in the theory and practice oil the
national government which has been repeatedly lnd-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential to the peace
and prosperity Of the country and to tho perfection ana
perpeuty ofs free Institutions At this time singu-
lar state Of aiiars is presented. The commefclsi IN
terests Of the country are overwhelmed WIN
mont its monetary are unusually disordered
every ramihcaon Of society invaded by distress, ana
the social ed6ce threatened with dlsorganizaton
every ear is filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murings OF dependency; the general government Is
boldly assaulted by large and respectable portion OF me
people, as the direct cause of their difficulties; open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit of INSTRUMENTATION is fosered as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpations oil the party IN
power some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse 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-
barrassmens is feared that many OF the less rm OF
the friends OF the administration and supporters oil
democratic principles wavering IN their commence,
and beginning, without just cause to view with disrust
those men TO whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives. Exutng in the antlcpa-
ton OF dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consollng themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Burens friends, national party are
yergng to dissolution; and they allow opportunity TO
pass unimproved to give eclat to their own doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their own future
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 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 to be preserved and regulated but
not DESTROYED have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is now abouring All these
to 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 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
conservative principles than the conduct oil those
to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
sroyng the institutions with which they found
nected Indeed some Of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement Of sefrespec at
home, and to tho promotion OF the honor and credit OF
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and it is hoped that will produce the effect
Of inspiring tho 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 lead, to follow any faction,
advocate the views OF any particular detachment OF
1t will aspire to accord just measure OF sup
port each of the coordinate branches of the govern
men in the lawful exercise of their constitutional
prerogatves II will address itself to the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prejudices
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cpe, that the strength and security Of American usti
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people
The MADIsoNIAN will not, in any event, be made the
instrument Of aayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the west in hostile attitudes towards each other,
alnrl
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession, compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
SO emnenty characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the
stitution Of the United States Moreover in the
haowed spirit that has, all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
ny THE PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guse 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, concatng
iealouses, and alayng the aspertcs Of party warfare
by demeanng oursef amicably towards all by lndulg
ing personal anmosities towards none; by conducting
oursef in the belief that it is perfectly practicable
differ with others in matters Of principle and of expe-
dency, without mixture of personal unkndness loss
of reciprocal respect and by asking nothing that
not clearly right and submitting to nothing that is
wrong" then, and not otherwise will the full measure
Of intention be accomplished, and 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 soundest minds in the ranks Of the
democractic republican party in the 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 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. .
W.su,xaroH CITy n q Inlv 1877