The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-17
PROSPECTUS OF THE spEcTAroR.-Ths

PROSPECTUS OF THE SPECTATOR.-The
subscribers propose to publish, at the seat OF
Government, Weekly Newspaper, 10 be called
1.-THE SPECTATOR" They believe that such
publication will not be superhuous. Its plan will be
different from that of the papers already established
in Washington II will not give the debates al length
but present a comprehensive and satisfactory sum
mary of the proceedings in both Houses Of Congress-
with such comment remarks as will contribute to
their calculation Striking or interesting speeches
will also be Inserted from time to time, or such ex
tracts herefrom may be most worthy OF attention
The editorial department will discuss the questions
of the day with spirit and with fairness, and IN a
manner which, il is hoped, will prove acceptable
To the popular taste. familiarity with domestic
politics, acquired by residence of several years at
the capital and the soourn Of one OF them abroad oil
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 it shall be their
effort present their readers that attractive variety
without which the most important topics are apt to
pail upon the public mind. Events constantly oc-
curing, at home and abroad beyond the sphere of
mere personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fail to elucidate political questions and pro-
mote national interests. Judcious selections from
foreign journals, which arc so accessible in Wash
ington, continental as well English, popular at
tention in this county being directed too exclusively
TO the latter cannot but interest the nquiring read
er,whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathes
extend beyond the confines, however ample, Of his
own country. NOT VIII HteTituFc ana BcncTal CTiti
cism be neglected. though kept subordinate to the
paramount ends of political Journal In word it
il the design of the subscribers to furnish spirited
and instructive papor for which, they persuaded,
peculiar faciIites found at the seat Of Govern
ment
Without appealing to their past position and exer-
tons, they will content themselves here with decar
ing that their opinions thoroughly and unchange-
ably Democratic, yet, they would fain hope, not il
liberal or 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 may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortive
second may triumph over 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 hy
at least and all they ask of their friends is kind
support Of their first and feeble steps They venture
also, to express hope that Editors personally or 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