The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-08-15
PROSPECTUS OF THE sPECTAToR.-Th

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Il subscribers propose to publish, at the seat Of
Government, Weekly Newspaper, TO be called
"THE SPECTATOR" They believe that such a
publication will not be superiuous. Its plan will be
different from thal oil The papers already established
in Washington. Ii will not give the debates at length
but present comprehensive and satisfactory sum
mary of the proceedings in both Houses of Congress
with such comment or remarks will contribute TO
their calculation. Striking interesting speeches
will also be inserted, from time 10 time, such
tracts therefrom may be most worthy of attention.
The editorial department will discuss the questions
of the day with spirit and with fairness and IN
manner which, II is hoped, will prove acceptable
to the popular taste. familiarity with domestic
politics. acquired by residence of several years at
the capital and the sojourn Of one of them abroad of
similar DURATION at an interesting period of European
history, have given them slight advantages for
the task proposed Communications from intelligent
sources Will also be furnished and II shall be their
effort TO present TO their readers that attractive variety
without which the most important topics are ant TO
pail upon the public mind. Events are constantly
CURING at home and abroad, beyond the sphere Of
mere personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fan to elucidate political questions and pro-
mote national interests. Judicious selections from
foreign Journals, which are SO accessible in Wash
ington, continental as well English, popular at
tenlon In TINS country being directed too exclusively
to the latter) cannot but interest the nqurng read
er,whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathes
extend beyond the confines, however ample Of his
own country. Nor will literature and general crt-
cism be neglected, though kept subordinate to the
paramount ends of political journal. In a word it
is the design of the subscribers to furnish spirited
and instructive paper, for which, they are persuaded
peculiar facilities found at the seat Of Govern
ment.
Without appealing to their past position and
tions they will content themselves here with decar-
ing that their opinions are thoroughly and unchange-
ably Democratic, yet they would fain hope not il
liberal uncharitable They will discuss questions
and judge men with freedom, yet with that modera-
ton which gives additional strength to irmness and
that candor which is the best proof and pledge Of
sincerity.
They fully sensible of the doubts and difficult
| ties which must ever attend novel undertaking of
this nature But one man may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortive
second may triumph every obstacle 1t has been
said, by wise and great man, that no human enter
prise would be attempted if every objection must first
be removed. The subscribers have resolved to try,
at least and all they ask of their friends is a kind
support of their first and feeble steps They venture
Also to express hope that Editors, personally po
litically friendly, will give this brief prospectus
sertion-a favor which they will be happy to &C
knowledge in suitable manner.
J. l.. MARTIN.
J. HEART.