The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-08-26
PROSPECTUS OF THE sPECTATOR.-Th

DpcST16IOS VI 1HE SfECfAI Ons-ih 1
4 subscribers propose to publish, at the seat OF
Government, Weekly Newspaper, 10 be called
"THE SPECTATOR" They believe that such
publication VIII not be superfuous. It, plan will be
different from lhai 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 time or such ex-
tracts thereirom 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, it 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 Of
similar duration, at an interesting period OF European
history have given them some slight advantages for
the task proposed. Communications from intelligent
will also be furnished and 1t shall be their
effort present to their readers that attractive variety
without which the most important topics apt to
pail upon the public mind. Events are constantly oc-
curing, at home and abroad, beyond the sphere OF
mere personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fail to elucdate political questions and pro-
mote national interests. Judicous selections from
foreign journals, which are accessible in Wash
ngton continental as well English, popular at
tention in this county being directed too exclusively
to the latter) cannot but interest the inlirng read
erwhose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathies
extend beyond the confines however ample, Of his
own country. Nor will literature and general criti-
cism 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 papor for which, they persuaded,
peculiar facilities 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 fam hope, not IL
liberal or unchartable They will discuss questions
and Judge men with freedom, yet with that modera-
ton which gives additional strength to rmness 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 one man may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortye, 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 POI
liticay 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.