The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-27
pRosPECTUs.

The MApIsoNIAN will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party, as
delneated by Mr. Madison, and will aim to consummae
that political reform in the theory and practice Of me
national government which has been repeatedly lndl-
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE essential to the peace
and of the country and the perfection and
nernetuy OF its free institutions AT this time singu-
lar state Of affairs is presented. The commercial IN
terests of the country overwhelmed with emoarass
mont; its monetary concerns are unusually dsoraoieu
every ramcation OF society is invaded by distress anu
the social cd6ce threatened with disorganzauon'
eyery ear is filed with predictions OF evil and The muf
murincs Of dependency; the general government y
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion Of me
people, as the direct OF their difficulties open
resistance "a, the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of INSTRUMENTATION is fosered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpations Of the party IN
mower: some from whom better things were hoped are
making the confusion worse coniounded oy mead
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-
barrassnents it feared that many OF the less rm OF
the friends of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are wavering IN ther commence
and beginning, without just cause, to view with distrust
those men 10 whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have laboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exuting in the antlcpa-
ton Of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters oil
the administration the consequence OF these things
the opposition consolrg themselves with tho idea
that MIR. Van Burens lrenus, as party, arc
yeruing to dissolution; and they allow opportunity TO
pass unimproyed to give eclat their doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans Tor 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 Tor an
exclusive eiaic currency have unfortunately earned
some beyond the actual and 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 abourlng. All these
seem to indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
seat Of government be established upon sound prn
cples and to represent faithfully and not to dictate the
real policy Of the administrations and the true sentiments
measures and interests, of the great body Of Its sup
porers 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-
sroying the institutions with which they found con-
nected Indeed OF contributions deemed
essential to tho enhancement of our own selrespect 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 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 seek to lead to follow any faction or
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 1t will address itself to the understandings
OF men, rather than appeal to any unworthy preludces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin
cpe, that the strength and security OF American lnstl
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,
upon any subject of either general local interest 1t
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
eminenty characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent ADOPTION by the several States, Of tho
sttution of the United States Moreover, in the
hallowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument characterized IT'S DEFENCE
by THE PEOPLE, press will hasten its support
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
aud under whatever guse of philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
If, in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity of the country, in conciatng
ealouses and aayng the aspertes of party warfare,
BY dcmeaning oursef amicaby towards all by indulg-
ing personal animosltes towards none by conducting
ourse in the belief that it perfectly practicable to
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 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
democratic 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
useful 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 the
fidelity OF his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON CRY, D. c. July, 1887.