Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1842-12-08
PRO sPE C TU s
OF THE
8 r T. C Z A. Z @ z.

THE Subscribers propose to publish, at tiie
seat of Government, a weekly ne wspaper' 70
be called sTHE SPECTATOR. They believe
that such publication will not be snperffuo"s
It's plan will be different from that OF the pa
pers already established in Washington. 1t
will not give the debates at length. but present
a comprehensive and satisfactory summary OF
the proceedings in both Houses OF Congress-
with such comment or remarks will contrI-
butte to their Misunderstanding or mteres-
ting speeches will also be inserted, from time
to time, or such extracts therefrom as may be
most worthy of attention.
The editorial department will discuss the
questions of the day with spirit and with tlrm
ness, and in manner which, it is hoped, will
prove acceptable to the popular taste. fam'-
iiarity with domestic politics. acquired by a re-
sidence of several years at the capital, and the
soiourn of one ofthem abroad, ofsimilar dura
ton, at an interesting period Of European histo-
~, have given them some Slight advantages
for the task proposed. Communications from
intelligent sources will also be furnished. and
it shall be their effort to present to their rea
ders that attractive variety, without which the
most important topics are apt to pail upon the
public mind Events are constantly occurring,
at home and abroad, beyond the sphere OF
mere personal and party politics, attention to
Which cannot fail to elucdate political ques-
{ tions and promote national interests Judici-
Gus selections from foreign journals, which are
are SO accessible in Washington, continental as
well as English, popular attention in this
! country being directed too exclusively to the
latter,) cannot but interest the enquiring rea-
der, whoseliberai curiosity and expansive SYM
pathes extend beyond the confines however
ample, ofhis own country. Nor will literature
and general criticism be eglected-though
kept subordinate to the paramount ends of a
political journal. In a word, it is the design
of the subscribers to furnish spirited and in
structive paper, for which, they are persuad-
ed, peculiar facilities are found at the seat Of
Government.
Without appealing to their past position and
exertions, they will content themselves here
with declaring that their opinions are thorough
| ly and unchangeabiy Democratic, yet, they
! would fain hope, not illiberal or uncharitable.
They will discuss questions and judge men
with that freedom, yet with that moderation
which gives additional strength to frmness
and that cantior which is the best proof and
pledge of sincerity.
They are fully sensible ofthe doubts and diff
fculties which must ever attend novel under
taking of this nature. But one man may sue
ced, where another has failed and when one
effort has proved abortive, second may tri
,tmph over every obstacle. 1t has been said
by q wise and great man, that no human en-
terprise would be attempted if every objection
must first be removed. The subscribers have
resolved otry, at least and ell they ask o.
their friends is kind support of their feeble
steps. They venture, also, to express hope
that Editors, personally or politically friendly
will give this brief prospectus an insertion-s
favor which they will be happy to acknow-
ledge in suitable manner.
]. L. MARTIN.
J. HEART.
TERMS.
The Spectator will be published weekly. at
So per annum. and proportionably for shorter
periods. payable invariably in advance; or S.
for two subscriptions, or for two years 1t is
proposed to issue the first number early in
June.
Postmasters are authorized to remit sub
scriptions. Letters and communications to the
editors must be paid or free Address
MARTIN 8. HEART,
Washington Dc