The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-19
OF THE sPEcrAToR.-The

PROSPECTUS OF THE SPECrATOR.-The
i subscribers propose to publish, at The seat of
Government a Weekly Newspaper, 10 be called
"THE SPECTATOR" They believe that such a
publication will not be superfuous. Its plan VIII be
different from that of the papers already established
in Washington. 1t viii not give the debates at length,
but present comprehensive and satisfactory sum
mary of the proceedings in both Houses OF Congress,
with such comment remarks as viii contribute TO
their calculation Striking or interesting speeches
will also be inserted from time TO time, or such ex
tracts therefrom may be most worthy OF attention.
The editorial department viii discuss the questions
of the day with spirit and with fairness, and IN a
manner which, it is hoped, will prove acceptable
10 the popular taste. A familiarity with domestic
politics. acquired by residence of several years al
the capital and the soourn OF one OF them abroad oil
similar duration, at interesting period OF European
history, have given them some slight advantages Tor
the task proposed. Communications from intelligent
will also be furnished, and il shall be their
effort to present to 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
personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fail to eucidate political questions and pro-
mote national interests Judicious selections from
foreign journals, which accessible in Wash
ington, continental well English, popular at
tenton in this county being directed too exclusively
to the latter cannot but interest the inquirng read
er,whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympaihies
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, it
is the design of the subscribers to furnish a spirited
and instructive paper, for which, they persuaded,
peculiar facilities are 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 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 are fully sensible Of the doubts and difficult
ties which must ever attend novel undertaking OF
this nature. But man may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortye,
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
tcally friendly will give this brief prospectus
sertion--a favor which they will be happy TO
knowledge in suitable manner.
J. L.. MARTIN.
J. HEART.