The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-24
n PROSPECTUS or THE spEcrAToR.--The

PROSPECTUS OF THE sPECTATOR.--The
Il subscribers propose TO publish al The seat OF
Government a Weekly Newspaper, TO be called
"THE SPECTATOR They believe that such a
publication will not be superiiuous Its plan WIZ DC
different from that of the papers already established
in Washington Ii viii not give the debates al eng'h
but present a comprehensive and satisfactory SUM
mary of the proceedings in both Houses OF Congress-
,yth such comment or remarks will contribute To
their calculation Striking or interesting speeches
will also be inserted from time TO time, or such ex
tracts thereirom may be most worthy oil atehtion
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 sooun OF one OF them abroad oil
similar duration, at an interesting period oil European
history have given them some slight advantages lor
the task proposed. Communications from intelligent
sources will also be furnished, and 1t shall be their
effort present their readers that attractive variety,
without which the most important topics are apt 10
pail upon the public mind. Events are constantly oc-
curing, at home and abroad, beyond the sphere of
personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fail to elucdate political questions and pro-
mote national interests. Judicious selections from
foreign journals, which accessible IN Wash
ngton continental as well as English, popular at
ention in this county being directed too exclusively
TO the latter) cannot but interest the nquirng read
whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathies
extend beyond the confines, however ample, Of his
own country. Nor VIII literature and general critl-
cism be neglected, though kept subordinate to the
paramount ends Of political journal. In word, II
is the design Of the subscribers to furnish spirited
acd instructive papor for which, they persuaded
peculiar facilities found at the seat of Govern
ment-
Without appealing to their past position and exer-
tions they will content themselves here with declar
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 frmness 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
tins nature. But one man may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortiye, a
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 kind
support of their first and feeble steps They venture,
also, to express hope that Editors, personally po-
ltcally friendly will give this brief prospectus
sertion--a favor which they will be happy to ac-
| knowledge in suitable manner.
| j. l.. MARTIN.
J. HEART