The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-03
PROS PECTU s.

THg MADisoNiAN will be devoted TO tine support oi
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party as
dcllneated by Mr.. Madison and will aim to consunma'e
that political reform in the theory and practice oil the
national government, which has been repeatedly ndi-
Gated BY the general SUFFRAGE us essential to the peace
and prosperity Of the country and to he perfection and
perpetuity of its free institutions AZ tins time sngu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial IN
teress OF the country overwhelmed with embarass-
ment; its monetary unusually dsordered
every ramcaton Of society Is invaded by Distress and
the social cdhce threatened with disorganzaon
every car filled with predictions OF evil and the muir
murings Of dependency tho general government IS
boldly assailed by large and respectable portion OF the
people as the direct cause Of their dlfcutess open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged and
spirit Of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpaons OF the party IN
power some, from whom better things were hoped, are
making the . confusion worse COMPOUNDED" 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-
barrassments il is feared that many OF the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are waverng IN their confidence
and beginning without Just cause, to view with distrus
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 antlcipa-
ton of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence of these things,
the opposition consolirg themselves with the idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, national party, are
vergng to dissolution; and they allow no opportuntyto
pass unmproyed to give eclat to their own doctrines
They are, indeed maturing plans for their own future
government Of the country with seeming confidence Of
certain success. .a
This confidence increased by the fact that visionary
theories. and an uiwise adherence 10 the plan for
crclusre metallic currency have unfortunately carried
beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
ment and, by imparng public codj oce in the credit
system, which ought to be prese, q regulated, but
not DESTROYED, have tended TO in. he difficulties
under which the country is now labouring All these
to indicate the necessity OF new organ at the
of government to be established upon sound prn
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 its sup
porers The necessity also appears of the adoption Of
conservative principles than the conduct Of those
seems to Indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
stIoyng the institutions with which they found
ncctcd Indeed some Of contribution is deemed
essential to the enhancement Of seErespect 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 is hoped that it will produce the effect
Of inspiring the mld with courage the desponding with
hope, and the whole country with confidence in the
administration Of its government. In this view this
journal win not seek 10 lead, to follow any faction or
to 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
prerogatves Ii will address itself TO the understandings
of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prcudlccs
evil passions II will rely invariably upon the prn-
cpc, that the strength and security Of American ns-
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue Of the
people
TuE MADlsoNlAN will not, in any event, be made the
instrument Of aayng the north and the SOUTH the cast
and the west in hostile attitudes towards each other
upon any subject Of either general local interest II
will reflect only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession, compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
emineny characterized the inception, formation, and
subsequent adoption by the several States, of the
stutlon Of the United States Moreover, in the same
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
Of that sacred instrument, characterized
PEOPLE, press will hasten its support at
every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter
and under whatever guise 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, in concatng
Jcalouslcs, and alaymg the asperes Of party warfare
by demcanng ourself amcably towards all by indulg
ing personal animosties towards none; by conducting
onsell IN the belief that it is perfectly practicable 10
dIer with others IN matters Of principle and Of expo
dcncy, without mixture Of personal unkndness or loss
Of reciprocal respect and 10y asking nothing that is
not clearly right and submitting to nothing that *
wrong then, and not otherwise, viii the full measure
Of its intention be accomplished and orr primary rule
for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprise has not been undertaken without tho
appreciation, Amusement and pledged support Of many
Of the leading and soundest minds IN the ranks of the
dcmocractc 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 il competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make il
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
much Of their confidence and cement only the
fidelity Of his press to their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WAsmNGroN Cry, D. c. July, 1887.