The Madisonian

PROSPECTUS.

The Madisonian will be devoted to the support of the principles and doctrines of the democratic party, as delineated by Mr. Madison, and will aim to consummate that political reform in the theory and practice of the national government, which has been repeatedly indicated by the general suffrage, as essential to the peace and prosperity of the country, and to the perfection and perpetuity of its free institutions. At this time a singular far state of affairs is presented. The commercial interests of the country are overwhelmed with embarrassment; its monetary concerns are unusually disordered; the social edifice seems threatened with disorganization; every ramification of society is invaded by distress, and every ear is filled with predictions of evil and the murmurings of despondency; the general government is boldly assailed by a large and respectable portion of the people, as the direct cause of their difficulties; open resistance to the laws is publicly encouraged, and a spirit of insubordination is fostered, as a necessary defence to the pretended usurpations of the party in power; some, from whom better things were hoped, are making the "confusion worse confounded," by a long pursuit of extreme notions and indefinite phantoms, totally incompatible with a wholesome state of the country. In the midst of all these difficulties and embarrassments, it is feared that many of the less firm of the friends of the administration and supporters of democratic principles are wavering in their confidence, and beginning, without just cause, to view with distrust those men to whom they have been long attached, and whose elevation they have laboured to promote from honest and patriotic motives. Exulting in the anticipation of dismay and confusion amongst the supporters of the administration as the consequence of these things, the opposition are consoling themselves with the idea that Mr. Van Buren's friends, as a national party, are verging to dissolution; and they allow no opportunity to pass unimproved to give eclat to their own doctrines. They are, indeed, maturing plans for their own future government of the country, with seeming confidence of certain success. This confidence is increased by the fact, that visionary theories, and an unwise adherence to the plan for an exclusive metallic currency have unfortunately carried some beyond the actual and true policy of the government; and, by impairing public confidence in the credit system, which ought to be preserved and regulated, but not destroyed, have tended to increase the difficulties under which the country is now labouring. All these seem to indicate the necessity of a new organ at the seat of government, to be established upon sound principles, and to represent faithfully, and not to dictate, the real policy of the administration, and the true sentiments, measures, and interests, of the great body of its supporters. The necessity also appears of the adoption of more conservative principles than the conduct of those seems to indicate who seek to remedy abuses by destroying the institutions with which they are found connected. Indeed some measure of contribution is deemed essential to the enhancement of our own self-respect at home, and to the promotion of the honor and credit of the nation abroad.

To meet these indications this undertaking has been instituted, and it is hoped that it will produce the effect of inspiring the timid with courage, the desponding with hope, and the whole country with confidence in the administration of its government. In this view, this journal will not seek to lead, or to follow any faction, or to advocate the views of any particular detachment of men. It will aspire to accord a just measure of support to each of the co-ordinate branches of the government, in the lawful exercise of their constitutional prerogatives. It will address itself to the understandings of men, rather than appeal to any unworthy prejudices or evil passions. It will rely invariably upon the principle, that the strength and security of American institutions depend upon the intelligence and virtue of the people.

The Madisonian will not, in any event, be made the instrument of arraying the north and the south, the east and the west, in hostile attitudes towards each other, upon any subject of either general or local interest. It will reflect only that spirit and those principles of mutual concession, compromise, and reciprocal good-will, which so eminently characterized the inception, formation, and subsequent adoption, by the several States, of the constitution of the United States. Moreover, in the same hallowed spirit that has, at all periods since the adoption of that sacred instrument, characterized its defence by the people, our press will hasten to its support at every emergency that shall arise, from whatever quarter, and under whatever guise of philanthropy, policy, or principle, the antagonist power may appear.

If, in this responsible undertaking, it shall be our good fortune to succeed to any degree in promoting the harmony and prosperity of the country, or in conciliating jealousies, and allaying the asperities of party warfare, by demeaning ourself amicably towards all; by indulging personal animosities towards none; by conducting ourself in the belief that it is perfectly practicable to differ with others in matters of principle and of expediency, without a mixture of personal unkindness or loss of reciprocal respect; and by "asking nothing that is not clearly right, and submitting to nothing that is wrong," then, and not otherwise, will the full measure of its intention be accomplished, and our primary rule for its guidance be sufficiently observed and satisfied.

This enterprize has not been undertaken without the approbation, advisement, and pledged support of many of the leading and soundest minds in the ranks of the democratic republican party, in the extreme north and in the extreme south, in the east and in the west. An association of both political experience and talent of the highest order will render it competent to carry forward the principles by which it will be guided, and make it useful as a political organ, and interesting as a journal of news. Arrangements also have been made to fix the establishment upon a substantial and permanent basis.

The subscriber, therefore, relies upon the public for so much of their confidence and encouragement only as the fidelity of his press to their great national interests shall prove itself entitled to receive.

THOMAS ALLEN.

WASHINGTON CITY, D. C. July, 1837.