The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-12-20
RosPECTUs OF THE sPECTAToR.-The

DROSPECTUS OF THE sPECTATOR.-The
Il subscribers propose TO publish, at the seat OF
Government, Weekly Newspaper, TO be called
"THE SPECTATOR" They believe that such
publication will not be superfluous. Its plan will be
different from that of the papers already established
in Washington. IL viii 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 will contribute 10
their calculation. Striking interesting speeches
will also be Inserted, from time to 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
manner which, II 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 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 present TO their readers that attractive variety
without which the most important topics apt To
pail upon the public mind. Events constantly
curing, at home and abroad, beyond the sphere Of
mere personal and party politics, attention To which
cannot fail to eucldae political questions and pro-
mote national interests Judicious selections from
foreign journals, which accessible in Wash
ington, continental as well English, popular at
tention in this county being directed too exclusively
TO the atter cannot but interest the inquirng read
er,whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathies
extend beyond the confines however ample, Of his
own country Nor will literature and general crti-
csm be neglected, though kept subordinate to the
paramount ends of political journal. In word it
* the design of the subscribers to furnish spirited
and Instructive paper, 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 fain hope not il
liberal or unchartable They will discuss questions
and Judge men with freedom, yet with that modcra-
ton which gives additional strength to irmness, 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,
second may triumph over 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 hy
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
liticay friendly, will give this brief prospectus
serton-a favor which they will be happy to ac-
knowledge. in a suitable manner.
J. l.. MARTIN.
J. HEART