The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-09-03
lRosPECTUs on THE sPECTATOR-The

II y hOSfEAIUS VI ITE NC
Il subscribers propose TO publish, at the seat oil
Government, Weekly Newspaper, 10 be called
"THE SPECTATOR" They believe that such a
publication will not be supernuous. Its plan will be
different from that OF the papers already established
in Washington II will not give the debates al length,
but present comprehensive and satisfactory sum
mary of the proceedings in both Houses OF Congress,
with such comment remarks as will contribute To
their elucldation. Striking interesting speeches
will also be inserted from time 10 time or such ex-
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 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 sooum 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 il shall be their
effort 10 present to their readers that attractive variety
without which the most important topics 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 Interest,". Judicious selections from
foreign journals, which accessible in Wash
ington, continental as well English, popular at
tenon IN this county being directed too exclusively
to the latter cannot but interest the nquring read
er,whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathes
extend beyond the confines, however ample Of his
own country. Nor will literature and general crt-
csm be neglected, though kept subordinate to the
paramount ends of political journal. In word it
is the design Of the subscribers to furnish spirited
and instructive papsr for which, they persuaded,
peculiar facilities are found at the seat of Govern
ment.
Without appealing to their past position and exer-
tons, they will content themselves here with declar-
ing that their opinions thoroughly and unchange-
ably Democratic, yet they would fain hope, not il
| liberal unchartable. 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 attend novel undertaking OF
this nature. But may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortve, 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
ltcay friendly will give this brief prospectus an
| sertion--a favor which they will be happy to ac-
| knowledge in suitable manner.
J. l.. MARTIN.
J. HEART.