The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-30
PROsPEcTUs.

Tus M,pIsoNt,N will be devoted 70 the support OF
the principes and doctrines Of the democrats party, as
delineated by Mr. Madison, and will aim TO oonsanmate
that pcteai reform in the theory aud practice OF the
national government which has been repeatedly ind
Gated by the general SUFFRAGE as essential TO The peace
and urosperty Of the country aud to the perfection and
perpetuily Of its free nsttuiohs AZ this ume singu
lar state of Affairs is presented The commercial IN
terests OF the country are overwhelmed VITA emesHass
ncnt lis monetary concerns are unusually disordcred
every ramfca Of society Is invaded by distress, and
the social ed6cc threatened with dlsorganiraon;
every ear is filed with predictions Of evil and the mur-
murings Of despondcncy, the general government IS
boldly assaulted by large and Respectable portion OF Inc
people as the direct cause Of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spirit OF characterization is fostered as q necessary
defence to the pretended usurati0ns OF the party IN
power some from whom better things were hoped, are
making the confusion worse coniounded, by ahead
long pursuit Of extreme notions and nde6nitc phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome state Of the
country In the midst Of all these difficulties and EN-
barrassmens it feared that many Of the less firm OF
the friends of the administration aud supporters oil
democratic principles wayering IN their coincidence.
and beginning, without just cause. 70 view with disrust
those men TO whom they have been long attached and
whose elevation they have lsboured TO promote from
honest and patriotic notives Exutng in the anticpa-
ton Of dsay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consorg themselves with tho idea
n.
yerging to dissolution; and they allow opportunity to
pass unimproved 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. 4
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories, and unwse adherence to the plan for All
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
systcm which ought to be preserved and regulated but
not destroyed have tended TO increase the difficulties
under which the country is now labouring. All these
seem to Indicate the necessity Of new organ at the
seat Of government be established upon sound prin-
cpes and represent faithfully, and not to dictate the
real policy OF 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
more conservative principles than the conduct Of those
seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
stroyng the institutions with which they found
nected Indeed Of contribution is deemed
essential the enhancement OF own selfrespect at
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 mid with courage, the despondng with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in tho
administration of its government. In this view, this
journal will seek lead, to follow any faction, or
TO advocate the views of any particular detachment OF
men II 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 preIudces
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prin-
cpe that the strength and security OF American insti-
uons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The MADIsoNIAN will not, 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
will reflect only that spirit and those principles OF mutual
concession compromise, and reciprocal goodwill, which
SO eninently characterized the inception formation and
subsequent adoption by the several States Of tho
stitution of the United States. Moreover in the same
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
of that sacred instrument characterized ITS DEFENCE
BY THE PEOPLE our press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter,
and under whatever guse Of philanthropy, policy, or
principle, the antagonist power may appear
II, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our
good fortune TO succeed any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country or in concating
lealouses and aayng the asperties OF party warfare,
by demeaning oursef an!cably towards all by ndug-
ing personal anmosities towards none by conducting
ourse in the belief that it is perfectly practicable TO
differ with others in matters OF principle and OF expe
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 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 to 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
The subscriber, therefore, relies upon the public for
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.
W,emNnroN Ctry u C. July. 1897