The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-15
II PROSPECTUS or THE sPEcrAToR.--rhs

PROSPECTUS OF THE sPEcTAToR.--The
Il Subscribers propose TO publish, at the seat Of
Government, Weekly Newspaper to be called
sTI1E SPECTATOR" They believe that such
publication will not be superhuous. Its plan will be
different from that Of the papers already established
in Washington II viii 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 or remarks as VIII contribute 10
their elucdation Striking interesting speeches
will also be inserted, from time TO time, or such ex-
tracts ihereirom 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. A familiarity with domestic
politics, acquired by residence of several years at
the capital and the soourn of one Of them abroad, OF
similar duration, al an interesting period OF European
history, have given them some 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 are apt TO
pail upon the public mind. Events constantly
curing, at home and abroad, beyond the sphere Of
personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fail TO eucidae political questions and pro-
mote national interests Judicious selections from
foreign journals, which are accessible in Wash
ington, continental as well English popular at
tenton in this county being directed too exclusively
to the latter cannot but interest the nquring read
er,whose 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
the design of the subscribers TO furnish spirited
and'hstructve 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 unehange
ably Democratic, yet, they would fain hope, not il
liberal or uncharitabe. They will discuss questions
and judge men with freedom, yet with that modera-
ton which gives additional strength to firmness, 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
this nature. But one may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortve,
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 or po-
litcally friendly, will give this brief prospectus
sertion-a favor which they will be happy to ac-
knowledge in suitable manner.
j. H. MARTIN
J. HEART.