The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-01-20
PROSPECTUS.

Tuw M,pIsoNIAx will be devoted to the support Of
the principles and doctrines OF the democratic party as
delineaed by Mr. Madison, and will aim 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 the perfection and
perpetuity Of its free institutions AZ this Tune snSu
lar state OF affairs is presented. The commercial ~
teress OF the country overwhelmed with emoarrass-
mcnt; its monetary concerns are unusually disofuered
every amc alton OF society invaded by distress, ana
the social rdice seems threatened with dlsorganizaton;
every ear is filed with predictions OF evil and the muir
murngs OF dependency the general government Is
boldly assaed by large and respectable portion OF the
neonie a. The direct cause OF their difficulties; open
resistance 10 the laws is publicly encouraged, and
spiril Of INSTRUMENTATION is fostered, necessary
defence to the pretended usurpa,ons OF the party IN
power some, from whom better things were hoped, are
making the :" confusion worse conounded, by 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-
barrassments it is feared that many OF The less hrm OF
the friends Of the administration and supporters OF
democratic principles are waverng in their coincidence,
and beginning without just cause TO view with dsrust
those men 10 whom they have been long attached, and
whose elevation they have aboured to promote from
honest and patriotic motives Exulting IN the anciPa-
ton of dsnay and confusion amongst the supporters OF
the administration the consequence OF these things,
the opposition are consorg themselves with tho idea
that Mr. Van Buren's friends, as national party are
verpng to dissolution and they allow no opportunity
pass unmproved to 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.
This confidence is increased by the fact that visionary
theories and an unwise adherence 10 the plan for
srcusre metallic currency have unfortunately carried
some beyond the actual and true policy OF the govern
and, by impairlng public confidence IN the credit
SYSTEM which ought to be preserved and regulated but
haya la1 IN hn fbcnit ties
under which the country is labourlng All these
seem to indicate the necessity of new organ at the
seat of be established upon sound prn
cples nd to 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
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-
stroying the institutions with which they are found con-
nected Indeed some measure Of contribution is deemed
essential the cnhanc OF own serespect at
home and the promotion of the honor and credit of
the nation abroad.
To meet these indications this undertaking has been
instituted and is hoped that it 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 TO lead, follow any faction
TO advocate the views of any particular detachment oil
men. Ii will aspire to accord Just measure OF sup
port each Of the coordinate branches OF the govern
preropatiyes II will address itself the understandings
Of men, rather than appeal TO any unworthy preudlccs
evil passions. 1t will rely invariably upon the prn-
cple that the strength and security Of American inst
tutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue OF the
people.
The MADlsoNIAN will not, in any event, be made the
instrument of arrayng 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 the con-
sttuon of the United States Moreover, in the same
haowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption
OF that sacred Instrument characterized DEFENCE
by PEOPLE, press will hasten to its support at
every emergency that shall arise from whatever quarter
and under whatever gulse of philanthropy, policy,
principle, the antagonist power may appear.
II, in this responsible undertaking. it shall be our
good fortune to succeed to any degree promoting the
harmony and prosperity Of the country or in concang
ealouses and aayng the asperltles OF party warfare,
by deneaning oursef amlcaby towards all by indulg-
ing personal anmosities towards none by conducting
oursef in the belief that it perfectly practicable 10
differ with others in matters OF principle and of expe
dency, without mixture of personal unkindness 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, advsement, and pledged support Of many
of the leading and soundest minds in the ranks OF the
democractc 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 competent to carry forward
the principles by which it will be guided, and make it
useful political organ, and interesting journal
OF news Arrangements also have been made to fix the
establishment upon substantial and permanent basis
Ihn rhnT raltaa thn
much Of their confidence and encouragement only the
fidelity of his press their great national interests shall
prove itself entitled to receive.
THOMAS ALLEN.
WASHINGTON CRY, D. G. July, 1887.