The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-06
PROSPECTUS.

Ting M.psoNI,N will be devoted to the support OF
the principles and doctrines Of the democratic party as
delineated by Mr. Madison, and will ann TO consnnnate
that political reform in the theory and practice OF the
national government, which has been repeatedly indi-
Gated by the general suffrage essential to the peace
and prosperity OF the country and to the perfection and
pcrpetuy OF its free institutions. Az this time slngu-
lar state Of affairs is presented The commercial In
terests Of the country overwhelmed with embaass-
mcn; its monetary concerns are unusually dsordered;
every ramfcaton Of society invaded by DISTRESS and
the social ed6ce threatened with disorganizatlon;
every ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the MUIR
murinrs Of dependency the general government Is
boldly sssailed by large and respectable portion OF the
people, as the direct Of their difficulties open
resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and
shirt of insubordnaton is fostered, as necessary
defence to the pretended usurpatons OF the party 10
power some, from whom better things were hoped, are
making the /" confusion worse coniounded by head
long pursuit of extreme notions and indefinite phanoms,
totally incompatible with wholesome stale oil the
country In the midst of all these difficulties and EN-
barrassnens it is feared that many Of the less firm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles waverng in their confidence.
and beginning, without Just cause, to view with distrust
those TO whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have labourCd to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exung IN the anticipa-
of dsmay and confusion amongst the supporters Of
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition consolirg themselves with tho idea
that Mr.. Van Burcn's friends, national party,
vetgng dissolution; and they allow opportunityto
pass unmproved TO give eclat to their own doctrines
They are indeed maturing plans for their future
government Of the country, with seeming confidence Of
certain success.
This confidence increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an uliwise adherence 10 the plan for an
stc4sirc metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
mcnt and, by mpairing public confidence in the credit
b,p apIr afetb lint
not DESTROYED have tended to increase the difficulties
under which the country is labourng. All these
seem to indicate the necessity Of organ at the
scat of government he established upon sound prn
cples nd represent faithfully and not to dictate the
real policy of the administration, and the sentiments,
measures and interests, of the great body OF sup
poers The necessity also appears OF the adoption of
principles than the conduct Of those
to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by de-
stroying the institutions with which they are found con-
nccted Indeed some of contribution is deemed
essential the enhancement Of own selfrespect 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 will produce the effect
Of inspiring the mid 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 or
TO advocate the views of any particular detachment Of
men. 1t will aspire to accord just measure of sup
port each of the coordinate branches of the govern
ment in the lawful exercise OF their constitutional
prcrogatvcs will address itself to the understandings
of men, rather than appeal TO any unworthy prcudiccs
or evil passions 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cpe, that the strength and security Of American inst-
tuons depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the
people.
The MApsoSAN will not, in any event, be made the
instrument OF arayng the north and the SOUTH the east
and the vest IN hostile attitudes towards each other,
zE
wlirea only that spirit and those principles Of mutual
concession, compromise and reciprocal goodwill which
emneny characterized the inception, formation and
subsequent adoption by the several States, OF the con-
stltuon Of the United States Moreover, in the same
haowcd spirit that has all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred instrument, characterized DEFENCE
rEorLE, press will hasten to its support at
emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever guisc of philanthropy, policy or
principle, the antagonist power'may APPEAR.
r. in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune succeed any degree in promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country, concating
Jcaousles, and adymg the aspcrtes Of party warfare
by demeanng oursclf amcably towards all by indulg-
Ing personal animoscs towards none by conducting
onrseli IN the belief that it is perfectly practicable
'ler with others in matters Of principle and Of expe-
dency without mixture Of personal unkinJness 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 tho full measure
OF rs intention be accomplished, and our primary rule
for It's guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied
This enterprize has been undertaken without The
appreciation, Amusement and pledged support Of MANY
OF the leading and sounest mnds in the ranks az tho
dcmocractc republican party in the extreme north and
IN the extreme south, in the 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 il will be guided and make il
useful as political organ and interesting as journal
pI - T. I...
establishment upon a 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.