The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-01-17

PROSPECTUS OF THE sPECTATOR.-The
Il subscribers propose 10 publish, at the seat OF
Government, a Weekly Newspaper to be called
"TIIE SPECTATOR They believe that such
publication wiz not be superiuous It's plan WIZ be
different from that of the papers already established
in Washington. II viii not give the debates al lehgu'
but present a comprehensive and satisfactory sum
mary of the proceedings In both Houses OF Congress
with such comment or remarks as VIII contribute W
their calculation Striking interesting speeches
will also be Inserted from time TO time 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 m
manner which, il is hoped, will prove acceptable
10 the popular taste, familiarity with domestic
politics, acquired by residence Of several years at
the capital and the sojourn Of one Of them abroad, OF
similar duration, at an interesting period of European
history have given them some slight advantages Tor
the task proposed Communications from intelligent
sources will also be furnished and it 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 are constantly oc-
curing at home and abroad, beyond the sphere OF
mere personal and party politics, attention to which
cannot fail 10 elucidate political questions and pro
mote national interests. Judicous selections from
foreign journals, which are so accessible IA wash
ington, continental as well as English, popular at
tenton in this county being directed too exclusively
TO the latter) cannot but interest the inqirng read
er, whose liberal curiosity and expansive sympathies
extend beyond the confines, however ample, Of his
own country Nor will literature and general criti-
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 paper, for which, they are persuaded,
peculiar ficltes found at the seat Of Govern
ment
Without appealing to their past position and exer-
TONS they will content themselves here with decla
ing that their opinions thoroughly and unchange-
ably Democratic yet, they would fan hope, not IL
liberal uncharitabc. 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 one man may succeed where another
has failed and when effort has proved abortve,
second may triumph over every obstacle. II 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 ac-
knowledge in a suitable manner.
J. l.. MARTIN.
| J. HEART