The Sun. — London, England, 1823-06-28 00:00:00

STAIN. CORTES, Justit 11. TRZOIDExcIr `or at Non The following proposition, submitted by Senor Galisno, -- was iread :—" I pray the Cortes, that in consideration of the situa ,tion of the country, they will be pleased •to nutke a call on • the' Government, to inquire of it what our Situation is, and what are the measures which have been adopted to; place in security the person ofhis Majesty and the Cortes, anti that the Cortes adopt, the necessary resotuuons in pursuance of the reply which - shalt be made.'" • Senor Galiano, at author of the propOsition rose and said= tit is time rather to act than to speak, neverthelessl cannot re frain frqm briefly stating the grounds on which my proposition ruts. It is, now time to withdraw the veil which covers o u r situation—the danger - of the country is imminent ; but 'in the 'same manner as, at a former period, when the National'• Re presentation was reduced to a narrow circuit, It can now.. 'alio preserve the Constitutional Government, and maintain the 'ylotious contest in whieb the nation hai been involved. - In order, however, to accomplish this, it .is impossible: not to perceive that the prompt aecurity Of the person of the ping and the Corte.s is Indispensable.. To ati'ect this is, to *eve the Country, since, though the Monarchy neer dips— (Applause in the ifulle;ies)—l repeat it, since - the Monarchy • never dies, as it is fixed by the fundanteptal •law t. without that basis we should be lost. The.question„ then, is one of preserva tion. It is to prevent the person of the.Kirig from falling into the power of the enemy.' It is,-in a ward 'to secure- the salva tion of the country. I ask nu more than that the Cortes should recollect what happened in NapleS, and what has just been _ shine in Portugal. Let us, therefore, summon the Government before us—let us ascertain whatis the situation of the country; end let tot then,determine to rescue his Majesty front the preci. . pice on which perfidious counsellors have placed him. s t the same times I would beg, nut of the Cartes • but of my fellow citizens, that they would preserve that calmness whichis suit able to the present moment: Calmness and union with therm. linnet representation were never more necessary than at a crisis such as this. Never was there an occasion when it was so essential for Spaniards to listen to the voice of their re presentatives. They must be convinced that their represen- Wives cannot be surpaesed in their willies for the welfare of their country„ and that in • whatever difficulties they may be placed they will ever maintain the ConstitutiOn. If they should ever fall under the weight of misfortunes, let it be with glory for the country.—(Contiamed applause.) The proposition was declared to be conformable to Article 100 of the Regulations of the Cortes, and was submitted to dis. • eussion. Senor Arguelles moved as an addition to Senor Galiania's motion, that the Cortes shoilii continue. in •a permanent sitting until the proposed object was obtained. Senor (Juliano expressed his. readiness to make that addition to his motion, as it was his wish that the sitting of the Cortei 'should be permanent. • . The proposition thus amended was agreed to. Afterwards several Deputies proposed that it should be de, clered to be carried unanimously. . Senor Vargas then rose and said that he did approve of it. Senor Salvato moved that it should be stated that one Deputy .only had not given his approbation to the motion. Senor Albear said—l have concurred in the motion ; hut if it is to be expressly stated diet it was carried unanimously, I will not approve of it. . hereupon the conversation dropped, and the Cartes proceeded for.some time with ordinary business. • •' • The Presidentunnonficed that the Scretaries of State were . now present, and that the motion of Senor Galleries was about to be read to them. Senor Alava—ki this sitting is one Of the most important in which a Legislative AeseMbly can 'be engaged,l propose that all the articles of the regulations be Strictly adhered to, and con sequently that not the slightest mark ofapproval or disapproval .be allowed. The President—The spectators are informed - that they are prohibited from taking any noticeof the Acts of the Congress. The enforcement of this article of the regUlations belongs to the President, who will discharge his duty .with the.neeessery. firmness. . The motion was then read. Senor Galiano said, that in the first niece he wished the Mi. ••••••nistees to. State the position occupied by the enemy. • ''flue Secretary of State for the. War Department said, the ' , .Ccoe4 are already acquainted with • the difficulties the military s•-contnianders experience in olnaining information of the enemy's movements. The French have availed thentscives of the lac ,tious by sending them two or three leagues in titivanae, for the "purpose of disguising 'their. intentions. The factious treat lie citizens with the greatest , severity. On. this ground Brigadier ..rlitsencia, of whom the Government had asked an explanation why lie did not circumstantially detail the force that had enter. ed Madrid, represented to the Government the impossibility of exactly knowing the enemy's •movenients. Nevertheless, the ' '.Government has succeeded in obtaining an account nearly ea. rect of the force which the 'French have in our territory. To obtain possession of the capital, the Freneh disided themselves into three corps, and the Government calculates, that about - 30,000 men,• including 7,000 cavalry, arrived it Madrid. As .• for the centre corps, it is not understood to consist of any other • force than Molitor's divieiort. Its object is to cover Arra. on as far as Lerida. The troops which have. entered Ca talonia under the conmiand of Marshal Moncey amount to •- from fifteen thousand to twenty thousand men. They are di. • vided on three points, always concentrating themselves towards Manresa. General Mina, et • the head of his valiant troops, Continues to Maintain himself in itdvantageous positions; but in his last dispatches he points out the necessity. .tif sending him re-inforcetnents, as he has to cover the important fortresses of Figures, Barcelona, Tarragona, anti others, in which duty a great part of his force is employed ; so that there only remains him a corps of 0,000 men, divided into different columns. — The total force which has entered Spain thAloveniment esti mates at upwards of 80,000 men, including 10,000 cavalr y . The eneMy's force in the capital was formed into three divi sions: one advanced upon Talavera ; soon after another marched towards Aranjuez to take the.line of the Tagus. They began by operations against our troops which occupied the bridge of According to the information communicated by General Casteldorrioi and General Lopez Banos, these troops of the enemy amounted to 5,000 men. Later dispatches, anti particularly one dated the 4th, stated that the enethy's corps which had been at Talavera had obtained a reinforcement, amounting to 5,000 men more. The troops of the enemy's centre corps advanced by the way of La Mancha. The Go. vernment had difficulty in ascertaining its progress; but under ' date of the 4th, it was learnt that a vanguard had arrived at .Madridegos, and afteewardit that these troops belonged to the . Royal Otterd. The third coluMn , which forms the enem y 's left, has been approXimating to the Serrania de Cuenca, to repel the troops under . Generaillallasteros. The Minister then . proceeded to. describe the advance of, the French towards Se , ville,.the main facts respecting whirl' are . already well known. In the course of his statement, he observed; that the Govern ment being sensible of the necessity of forming a second echelon at Cordova, succeeded with difficulty in sending a battalion . thither. ft was fit the Cortes should know that the army . of reserve, the establishment of which was 11 battalions of in. fantry, ayes reduced to four battalions, and must remain in that state until the new dritAghts arrive, which will be illow4- 1p . consequence of the daicieticyof resources, the Government ap plied to the Cortes, who haVe invested them with ample powers; trot notwitlistandiqg the selliirts made by the provincial depute- tions to meet the demands matte upon them. all that is wished to .4 dime is not yeLaccomplished. Ou the other hand, the necessity of preserve! tho. fortress of Ceuta has obliged the thworan, Alm. to send veteran troops tli!thet% TO those mem stances it was owing that the Clovertunent had not been able to carry into sheet sotto: arrangements which, ltad been 'content , plated. Snior (Juliano wished tat know when the Government received , infarination of the entrance of the French into Carolina. • 'l!he Minister replied—Yeeterday morning, between nine and ten• • - - Senor Oaliano then asked, what measures had been adoptl , t for placing the person of his Majesty and the national repr e e t .; ontation out or the reach of every attempt, The Secretary of State fur. Grace and Justice said, that about -ten or more days ago, the Government being informed that the French, time contrary to all military rules, were about to penetrate into Andalusia, assembled a junta of Generals end vother military persons worthy of confidence. In order to ob tain the opinion of this junta, two questions were proposed— , First, whether, If in the course of the month of June, the French should invade Andalusia by any point whatever, there was any probability, front the number ..and situation of our tomes, of preventing the invasion . Secondly, if there were probability of preventing to :hat point ought the Go verntnent and the Cortes to be removed. Vhis junta met, and was presided by. the Minister for Grace and Justice. All the tuentbers of the junta agreed that there was no probability of the invasion being prevented. With re. sari' to the „second question, tell were of opinion that no otlier point was so proper as the isle of Cadiz. Farther tut :tikes; NOW confidential, others vague, being received of the progress of the French, and the Government wishing to act in this mutter with the greatest security and regularity, again put the same questions In writing to the anresaid Junta, wh) answered them in the same manner._ The information of yesterday being received, a report of the whole was made to the King. His rtlajeaty, in concurrence with the opinion of bis Ministers, and in conformity with the provisions of the Con. .fititution, ordered that the Conacil of the State should he con sulted.with all the haste that circumstneea . r:quired. The Council immediately assembled. TheSectetarica, - of State re mained with it until 11 at night. The Council, considering that it would be impossible then to make a report, adjourned until the following day, with theunderstanding that the , sitting should be permanent until the business was concluded. Last night, between 8 and 9, the report was received, in which the Council concurred with the opinion of the Generals in the abso lute necessity of removing the Cones and Government, differing solely with regard to the Isoint to which they should' remove, which the Council thought ought to be Algesiras. 'rise Mini sters: acting with their usual frankness, immediately notified to his Majesty the result. At the present moment they can say no more, except, that at the time of their coming here, his Majesty had not taken a definitive resolution. The Cones might be assured that the Ministers had done, and would do, j as far as in their power, every thing that ought to be done. Senor-Gitliano put several other questions to the Secretaries of State, the tendency of which was, whether as Ministers they thought that tile Constitution could be maintained if the re moval was not effected. . The Secretary for Grace and Justice replied, that be • was not prepared to enSwer all the questions put to him, not having the opportunity of conferring with -.his colleagues, particularly as two of them were not at that. moment present. But he could assure the Cortes that Ministers were firMly convinced that the safety "of the country depended upon the removal of the Governmetit and the Cortes to a place of greater-security.- Senor Ualiano then made a speech in which he pointed out the necessity of the, Cortes -immediately addressing them selves'' to the King, to induce him to resolve to leave Se ville with the Government and Cortes. Ile moved that a deputation should wait on his Majesty, and state to him the necessity for his removal. - -- This motion was-agreed, to without discussion. Senor Arguelles moved that the Isle of Leon should be fixed on for the place of removal, and 'that the time -of departure should, attire latest, be to-merrow at noon. • 1 , After some discussion this motion was also agreed to. . A message from one of the Ministers intimated that his Ma jesty had appointed five o'clock that evening for receiving the deputation. Soon after the deputation went forth. It consisted of Seneres•Valdes, (Don Cayetano) Becerra, Caldemn, Abreu, Benito, Mount, Prat, Surra, .Ayllon, Tomas,,Trojillo, Monte sinoe, Suarez, Llorente, and two Secretaries. 'On the return of the deputation from the Palace, its presi. dent, Don Cayetano Valdes, said—" The deputation of the Cones having waited on his Majesty, represented to him that the Cones were in a permanent sitting, and had resolved on their removal to-morrow,' as, according to the accounts which had been received, and the situation of affairs, if the enemy made a few forced marches, the removal could not be accom plished, and that it was therefore fit that his Majesty and the Cortes should proceed to the Isle of Cadiz (or Leon.) The de putation accordingly recommended to his Mejeaty, that he should act now as graciously. as he had done at Madrid, when ,he resolved to come to this city, as Seville was not a point of security. It was also observed, that when the Cortes resolved to come to Seville, that resolution was adopted because to the enemy it was a very different thing, the advancing only 80 leagues, or having to advance 1110. Now, however, that the enemy entered the capital, and were approaching this city , it was fit that his hlayesty should be removed to some secure point, such as the strong walls of Cadiz presented. " His Majesty answered, that his conscience and the inter ests of his subjects did not permit him to leave this city; that as a Private individual, lie did 'not think his removal incon venient; but that as a King, his, conscience did not permit him to accede to it. " The deputation represented to his Majesty that his con. science was safe, since; tfrotigli•aia man lie might err, as a con stitutional King he wasicubject . to no responsibility ; that he should hearken to the advice of his Counsellors, and the Repre sentatives of the people, on whom lay the burden of the respon fsibility for the salvation of the country. " His Majesty signified .that be had given his answer. : " The mission of the deputation being completed, they now stated to the Cortes, thachis Majesty did not think the removal convenient." Senor Gallen°, after a abort speech, submitted the felloiving proposition :—" I pray the Cortes, that in consideration of the refusal of his Majesty to place his Royal person and family in safety from the invasion of the enemy, it be declared that the provisional case has occurred for regarding his Majesty in the situation of moral impediment contemplated by article 187 of the Constitution ; and that a - provisional Regency be appointed; which, solely for the case of the removal, shall possess the fa. cultic s of executive power." The •motion was opposed by-Senores Vega-Infanano and 80. mero ; and supported by Senores Arguelles and Oliver. It was finally adopted. . On the motion of Senor Infante, a commission was appoint ed to nominate the individuals who should compose the lie. geney. This Commiesion consisted of Senores Arguelles, Gomez, Becerra. Cuadra, Aleva, Escovtala, Infante, haunt, Salvato,and Flores Calderon. This Commission reported that the Regency should conga of three members, and recommended for that purpose the fol. lowing persons, viz.:—Don ,Cayetano Valdeo, Deputy of the Cortes, to be the President; Den Gabriel de Ciscar, Councillor of State; Don Gaspar de Vigodet, Councillor of State. This recommendation was adopted, and the above indivi duals were formally installed,aud sworn as Regents. The following votes against Senor Galieno's motion for a Provisional Regency, were ordered to be recorded, viz.:.—Senores Lamas, Alcantara, Eulate, Diez y Ruiz del Rio; as wore also the votes of Senores Vega Infanzon,. Alcalde, Alcantnra l La mas, Vargas, Prado,.Ferrer (Don Antonio), and Ruiz del Rio, in disapprobation of the proposition that a verbal message should he sent to the King not having been admitted. At three in the morning the President stated that a' confi dential person Lad been.sent to ascertain whether the Regency had experienced opposition from any authorities, and he had the satisfaction to announce to the Cortes that the Regents had met with no obstacles in the exercise-of their functions. In.: quiry had also been made whether 'any inconvenience would arise .to the Regency if, the Cortes should for a few hours sus pend their sitting. To this arrangement the Regency saw no objection, and he therefore proposed that the Cortes should ad. journ until eight in the morning. Senor Gallant) observed, that besides thimoral effect which might be produced by the continuance of the sitting, the Cortes bad not yet completed the business for which they had declared themselves permanent. In case of their being in the mean time required to meet, that call upon theth would be for some sudden and unexpected event, and- much inconvenience might arise if ;he Deputies had to come frOm their respective residences. Senores SaaVedra and Soria also spoke against the adjourn. rent. The question being put,- whether the sitting should be sus pended, in order to be resumed at eight in the morning, it was unanimously decided that it should not be suspended. SEVILLE, JUNS 10. . . The Government has given orders that ten battalions, which were stationed at different point* in Andalusia, should march in the direction of the Sierra AlOrena. It Is affirmed that the troops composing these Columns'are for the most part veterans, and that they are animated by the beat spirit. There is a well accredited report that the column command. ed by the Pastor halt intercepted, in 'the Biscayan provinces, a convoy of money, arms, and clothing. Accounts vary respect.' ing the quantity, of the specie that has been seized ; but, ac. cording to the most moderate statements it amounts to 70,000 dollars. . Government has received a dispatch from Estremadura, and the intelligence it brings refutes the rumours which were yea. terday circulated in Seville respecting the situation of that army. The enemy had made no movement in the direction of Estreniadura. This evening arrived at Seville, Senor Pezuela, aide.de. camp to Gen. Ballasteros t whom. he left in Chiva on the 31st of May, Senor Pezuela entbarked in the tiro on board a Spanish vessel, but on the passage he fell in with an English brigantine, and the Captain politely permitted him to go on board of it, and landed him at a point of the coast whence be might proceed in safety' to Seville. ' Gen. Ballasterosta had under his command, at the tune when Senor Pezuela left him, 10,000 infantry and 1,0 00 cavalry, all well disciplined an d faithful troops. He was actively engaged in organizing an equal number of Tecruits, who manifested the best.disposition. The General was in the higheat degree sada ' tied with the conduct of his troops, and with the assistance which the provin ce o f V a l enc i a h a d given hint. it was:on the 11th that Ballasteros raised the siege of Sahmii tum, in consequence of the advaace of French.l SEVILLE, .1 ONE 11. General Zayas has. been definitively appointed Commander of the 11th Military Diafriet. . . Senor Machado, late his.Maje.sty's Consul General in Paris, has written to our Government from London, stating that he has at his disposal in that city, 40,000,000 of reels, of the mo. ney which the French Goverunent.oteed to Spain on account of indemnities. The head-quarters of the army of . Estremadura continued at Truxillo on die 7th. The enemy had made no movement. The party commanded by the factious Camta.has been de feated. . 13AYONNE PAPERS. BAY() WI; E, JUNE 16.-IThle.4o we should receive some news by the way of Oleron, or by the army post, which is not very regular, we shall not have much to communicate to-day. We have seen private letters from persons belonging to the stall; which chew that the writers are less sanguine than they were at first,; they say it is inipossible.to do any thing with the Spa peo,fle; on s - count or their obstinate stupidity. It seems,'' likewise; not to have been expected that the Conititutional party. would really remove the 'King to Cadiz ; and this event appears to have, in some measure, deranged the plans that were down, as it 'will render a much greater number of troops' necessary. The provinces on our frontiers are still in a very unfortunate situation, on account of, the continual passage of troops, and the guerillai which are forming there every moment; how ever, it does not appear that they have yet attempted 'any thing of importance. Letters from Santander and Bilboa have even contradicted the news, which had been announced as certain,' of the entrance of Canapanillo and the Pastor; but they say, that their arrival is every where looked for, with fear by some, and with hopes by 'others. We hear no more of the sieges of St. Sebastian and Pampe luua than if there were no such places in existence. It, is affirmed that a division of 200 laden mules has been seized i near Vittoria, by a guerilla, which has sent back the driers' without doing them any harm. The merchants are at present in a state of anxiety on account' of the re-establishment of the duties of Customs, on the same footing as they were before 1820. The old system prohibits all cotton manufactures : which are, however, introduced by the smugglers, whom it is impossible.to restrain. , The merchants, even of the Royalist party, complain bitterly. It is said that a loan is to be negociated by the Regency, which is in want of money._ yesterday we heard very distinctly, from this city, a can nonade and a pretty smart firing of musketry, in the direction of St. Sebastian. Considerable quantities of mules and 'caissons continue to be sent from this city to the army. Letters from the South /five nothing but details of the fatiguing marches which Mims obliges our troops to make, by feigning to fly before them. • It is said thEat all the Ambassadors of the Holy Alliance, who were at Madrid with the King, are 'going to be sent to the Regency. M. de Bulgari passed - through last night on his way to Madrid. PORTUGAL. Intelligence from Lisbon to the 4th inst. has been received,:three days later than the accounts in the papers brought by the last Mail. 1 t is stated that Lisbon, at, that date, still exhibited an air of the greatest sadneSs, that the shops were shut up, the Exchange deserted, and that the cry of Viva el Rey absoluto proceeded only from the soldiers, who commenced their return to their old quarters only on the 3d. They are represented to have been. in a state of indisci pline, and to. have dismissed three of their Co lonels. It is also asserted that General SEVUL. VEDA is expected to die in consequence of wounds he received from some of his troops.—On the 2d the Cortes held their last sitting. On that day IloiloEs CARNEIRO moved that. the sittings be suspended until the Permanent Deputation again convoked the Clortes, they not considering them -. selves to be dissolved, an d that they should now make a protest, and have it entered on the •jour. nals. Several Deputies spoke. in support of this motion, which was adopted, and the protest was signed by all the Members present. Votes of, thanks to all the Volunteer Corps who had re mained faithful to their oaths, and adhered to the Constitution to the last, were passed, and the Co . rtes finally broke up. The KING was still at Villa Franca on the 3d, on which day the fol.' lowing Proclamation was issued in his name : " Portuguese.L-Instead of a Constitution that might sustain the monarchy, and instead of representatives chosen by your- . selves, there appear under those sacred titles a tissue of maxims promulgated with the view of disguising subversive and un stable principles, which have for their secret purpose the de stroying the reigning dynasty along with the Portuguese mo. narchy ; and, representatives who arc almost all elected by arti fice and subordination. .• " The virtuous citizens have been. oppressed by the yoke of the factious ; and fidelity to the Ding was, according to the principles which corrupt men in exalted stations held, and fear lessly prosecuted,.hranded iw n crime. A structure composed of such materials could not long endure; experience condemns it, and If its authors for some time maintained their power in.spite of your wishes, it was by virtue of promises which they co p i ld not realize by the course they have adopted. Recovered Trim their errors, they have dissolved themselves defteto as they had united themselves dc facto, and I dissolve them de jure. " solicitous for your intere s t, I d e t erm ined to stave my royal dignity by restoring the ition a r c hy, Which should he the foun ' dation, and not the sport of every Constitution. Portuguese fidelity had shone:with the brightest lustre even among those who were the authors of all these evils; since they have, in a great measure, voluntarily renounced their delusion. " Portuguese—L-your king, freely seated on the throne of his ancestors, is about to secure your happiness, by giving you a Constitution, in which, before all things, are proscribed, the principles which experience has proved to be incompatible with the peace of the state. Your Sovereign can only consider him self happy, when he sees all his subjeCts united. . lie forgets past opinions, and only requires fidelity in future conduct. (Signed) • ". JOHN. , (Ctiull t eiltignO) " JOAQUIN PEDRG GOMEZ DE OLIVEIRA " Villa Franca de Xera, July 3, 21123." THE ARMY. Yesterday the Royal Fusileers had a. grand field day in Windsor Park. The Ist :(or Royal) Regimennt of Dragoons, now on duty at Canterbury, has received orders to march from that station, and to arrive in the neighbourhood of London, on the Zth of July. . . .. The 62d (or Wiltshire) Reginient of Foot, now doing duty at Ilalifax, has received orders' on being relieved by the 3 2 d (or Oxfordshire) Regiment (Light Infantry) which recently sailed for Cork for that purpose, to return to Lngland. , Two bkri traclrons belonging to the 14th (or the Duchess of York's . Own) Regiment of Light Dragoons, have received or ders to march from Coventry and Birmingham, and to arrive at Kingston on the 6th of next month. • The Ith (the Queen's .Own) Regiment of Light Dragoons (Milian) will'sbortly receive. orders to march from Bristol to the neighbourhood of London. (Russet* Will, A grand Review of Cii‘nlry h' expected to take place at Wimbledon, about the middle of next month. The 1501 (or, the .King's) Regiment of Light Dragoons The 17t Canter, • . after the Review, march from Hounslow to . - Regiment , of Lig ht Dragoons (Lancers) has re • . ceived orders to march. on - Monday • next, from tliatham to Romforti. The bit Ropal,Dragoons,stationedat Canterbury, on Thars day received t►teir route to march on Tuesday next for Man• chester. 11 ALF-PAY.;—The pa3rinent of three mouths' Half-pay to dui Reduced Officers of hisNajesty's Land Forces to the 24th inst. including those heretofore borne upon the Irish Establishment, will co mmence on Wednesday the 9th of July next. FOREIGN HALE.PAE AND PEN nor; s.--the Foreign Half pay and Foreign Pensions due on the 24th instant, will be in course of payment on the ninth of next month. TO TUE EDITOR OF THE SUN. • Society of Arts, June 27. Sin—ln your Paper of yesterday, I observed an advertise ment, entitled Mansion house--A new way of hatching chickens," which st a t e d th a t a person appeared before the Lord Mayor, professing to have discovered a method of hatching the eggs of p ou l tr y by artificial means, and that "his object was to• have . ills Lordships sanction, as a re commendation to the Society of Arts, who had informed him that if he could prove his invention before the Chief Ma gistrate, he should receive the reward of 100 guineas." The above statement, as far as regards the Society of Arts, is directly and entirely false.-1 am, Sir„yours,&c. Alia'HUß ATKIN, Secretary. The severe storm of thunder end lightning. yesterday has d 4 otte some serious damage to two houses in Mulberry-street, Commercial-road. The electric fluid passed completely through the houses alrove mentioned, all the windows of which were shattered to pieces. The 'windows of many houses, for some distance round, were also broken. 0 L B A. MESSAGE of • TIrE"EXECUTIVE POWER OF COLOMBIA, ON THE OPENING OF THE FIRST CONSTITUTIONAL CON GUESS OF PIE'ItEPUBLIC. Citizens of the Senate and of the Chamber of Represlntatives,...The , solemn installation of the second. Con-1 gress of Colombia is one of the moit.l:lappyevents of my political -life. Its meeting in the manner prescribed by our fundamental laws, is both an unanswerable testimony of the acquiescence of the Government in the declared will of the nation, and a motive for consolation to the Repub lic and of shame to its enemies. This most august body uniting the most enlightened tinderstandings,--the purest patriotism,—and the most extensive experience, its deliber ations cannot fail to be the fruits of the most ardent . de sire for the public prosperity. I am convinced that wise laws, salutary reforms, and measures which, by disseminat- ing universal happiness and goodewill, shall consolidate the work of 12 years of sacrifices, will result from your delibera tions, and be the abundant fruit which the people will re ceive with joy and gladness. However •great were the exer tions and labours of the last. general Congress, and however laudable the desire by which it was animated, there is a void in the Republic which you are called upon to make good. 'The Constituent Congress could scarcely do more than trace out the line by which succeeding legislatures could proceed with secu rity. The executive Government will, by means of its respec tive organs, lay before the Congress all the information and materials which time and circumstances have permitted it to collect; and you, Gentlemen, selecting the best and most pro per for the happiness of the nation, will find a vast field open to your deliberations, and to thefultilment of your duties. The Government of Colombia has not omitted any steps that Could 'bring our contest with Spain to an end, in a manner honourable to both' parties, and with reciprocal advantages. The Goyernment has not been, guided by any apprehension of the uncertain issue of the war, - but by the desire of saving hu manity from the useless sacrifice ot fresh victims, and este • blishing peace between the two nations. The Goverment availed itself of the first favourable moment to send a commission to Madrid, which, being assisted by the progress of our cause, and the change of principles in the po litical system of Spain, might obtain by reason that which we were otherwise determined to attain by anus. Our agents were not heard ; imputations, absolutely false, were made against them ; they were dispatched from the Court upon dishonour able pretences, and the manner in which we were accredited was such, that conciliation on the principle of independence was impossible. The Government of the Republic was not surprised r at this result, for it never had reason to entertain the idea, that the Government of his Catholic Blajesty was disposed to renounce the mad desire of keeping us in subjection ; but it was neces sary to accede to the wishes of the Spanish Commissioners, and to give to the world a fresh proof that our perseverance in the pre sent contest did not proceed from a spi rit of revenge or hatred, but front the most sacred duty of a people, aspiring to the im provement of their condition. The subsequent conduct of his Catholic Majesty's GoVernment in reinforcing the armament that assaults our territories, and that of the General of the expedi tionary army, in declaring the treaty of Truxillo void, thus de precating the rights of nations, has finally proved to us that our enemies will.hericeforth tenaciously carry on their system Of exterminating warfare against the independence of the Re public. The executive Government is firm in its determina tion not to listen to, not admit of any negociation on the part of Spain which has not for its basis the explicit recognition of our national sovereignty. So well convinced was the Government of Colombia of the de cision °tithe Government of Madrid to prolong the war against America, that we hastened to establish solid relations with the independent State% of the New World, fixing a secure basis on • which either the continuance of the contest, or ,a negociation with the neutral Powers and Spain, should be conducted. The Go vernment of Colombia has been the first to lay the foundation of an American Confederation, which, uniting the political interests of the vast territory that has separated itself from the Mother • Country, guaranteeing and respecting each other respectively, shall rec iprocally communicate a physical and moral power capable of arresting and annihilating all the undertakings of the Government, our enemy. The treaties which have as yet been made to that effect will be laid before the Congress, and I take the liberty of offering to it in anticipation, my congra- ' tulations on the satisfaction with which it will perceive the solidity and stabili t y w hi c h we h ave g i ven to the indidnovtah,e fTen- M b e tweenexieant h l e ?n c p t i l since e the d Co e p n e n v e d n e t n i loan and made the of the New W or ld. G rea t c h anges h ave ta k en p l ace a e t s C pa or : nish General Odonoju. Don Augustin lturbide has been placed on the Imperial Throne, instead of the family called to it by the plan of lguala and the treaty of Cor dova, in consequence of which the Cortes of Madrid have declared the latter to be annulled. The Government of Co lombia is not accurately acquainted with the nature and parti culars of the events which have placed the imperial crown on the head of Iturbide, and has taken such measures to procure such information as it deems indispensable to open and cement the relations between the Republic and the Empire, on the prin ciple of not interfering with its internal arrangements, and to recognize the decided will of the Mexican nation, so long as it adheres to the determination ofvemaining independent of Spain. The Government of the- United States has given a sub lime example of justice in solemnly recognizing the inde pendence and sovereignty of the States of South America that nation, the cradle of the liberty of the world, has per ceived with satisfaction that this public ace was due to po. licy and sound reason,. and the illustrious Members of its Go vernment have, by such conduct, added fresh lustre to the glory of a free people, and to its own. There is now residing in this capital a Minister froM that Government, by whose means we are Informed of the friendly sentiments by which it is animated towards us, and of its disposition to commence and to establish relations with the Itepublic The executive power has hasten ed to manifest the mule feelings on its part by means of a Mi nister Plenipotentiary, and to prepare the preliminaries' which must precede the negotiations. With the European powers we 'have succeeded in entering upon .some diplomatic relations, which are at present milli* to the obtainment. of an explicit recognition of our national sovereignty. Our cause appears to have attained considerable popularity amongst some of the most powerful nations; and al though their Governments have not decided in making the re quired declaration,diey have not given us any cause for complaint. Their acts relative to commerce and neutrality have arisen out of the principle of recognizing tilt as Governments de Acts.— That of Colombia has convinced all nations that good faith and justice are the immutable rules of our conduct, and that we make it our duty to respect the laws of all states, their rights, and those of their respective subjects. Such will always be the conduct of the , Government and citizens of Colombia, as the means of' preeerving peace and good understanding with the -rest of the universe. It is satisfactory to me, that during the course of my administration, on the establishment of a new and delicate system, no questions of difficulty have presented them selves, tending to interrupt the harmony in which we live with all nations. His Faithful Majesty the King of Portugal has opened the way in Europe to the reeognition of the American Govern ments. That of Colombia had addressed a diplomatic mission to the Court of ,Lisbon, which, among other things, was to regulate the limits of the Republic 4oining the Brazils, but the unexpected death of Mr. Echeverria, and the late events in the province of Brazil, tending to shake oft their do pendenee on Portugal, have frustrated our intentions,— I have taken steps to arrange with the Court at Rome respect ' ing_the government of ecclesiastical affairs, in which so many difficulues have been,..and are daily experienced; to the mani fest,detrioient 'of the prerogatives of the supreme civil autho rity, and of the spiritual wants of the people.. Thadeath of Mr. licheverria interrupted this negociation also, but the Go - vernment is already pr epared to send a fresh mission to Rome. In the mean time, the Congress will be informed of the man ner in which this matter is conducted, trusting that your wis dom will lay down a certain, although pmvisional, regulation, that will remove all scruples and other difficulties. • The Government has the satisfaction to announce to the Con. greet', that the free territory which the Republic of Colombia now embraces, is the same as that fixed by the fundamental law of the State. Three new departments hare increased the number of those which recognized the law of organization of. the 2d of October: the one separated itself from the mother country by its own exertions—the other two have been liberated by the valottr of the army, and the extraordinary ability and prudence of the President Liberator. Thus, in them, as in time other seven departments, the political system adopted by the constituent Congress of Cucuta has been established with ge neral applause. The people have indulged in the beat hopes of prosperity on seeing their political and civil liberty secured by the fundamental law. Every Colombian has submitted his own will to that of the law : the glory of the warrior, the Mu , mination of the philosopher z the prerogatives of the Minister of the altar, the Influence, ot merit, of reputation, and of virtue —ell have humbled themselves before the Constitittion. But for the exception of two or three small bodies of men, who wished to live in the tnidst of disorder, the Government might aver that no sentiments but those of union and fraternity exist in the bosom of the Colombians. The state of order and internal repose which the Republi c h as a t ta i ne d, has not been disturbed either by the arrogant attempts of the enemy, by his evil suggesti o ns, or by the frequent difficulties arising front the painful state of the public treasury, which sometimes offir Opportunities for disturbance to those who, in the aiteratiott of a system experience changes either of fortune or in their . views of amibition. The Government acknowledges itself in debted for this benefit, first to the Mercy of the Supreme Being, who has watched over the fate of Colombia, and next to the efficacious to-operation of all the citizens, of all the authorities, and especially of the venerable clergy both secular and regular. On so prosperous a basis, public education has begun to spread successfully, information has been diffhsed by Means of 'the press, the citizens have procured liberty to denounce the abuse of power, and the p e opl e h ave b een Inspired with a sincere love fot, their institutions. The.propagation and progress it literary and scientific establishments,,which I anticipate from the • new statutes of the Congress and the influence of the local • authorities, will' donbtless be the best support which our cods .• and the administration of the Government, the security of the Republic and its future happiness will henceforward possess. It is a most gratifying duty for me to recoMmend.to you, nio4t ardently, the fate of the Colombian people,. whose sacrifices have.rentiered the entire protection of wise and beneficent'laws necessary. to. them. A most exterminating warfare has de-. • stroyed its population, its agriculture, arid its' commerce, add it is the duty of Congress to do i 6 utmost for the revival of these sources of public and private wealth. I call the attention of Congresa to agriculture, commerce, and the mi nes : ourgeo graphiCal position will afford you the reedy means of placiag• the heroic people of Colombia in a Situation . to redouble and enrich itself. • 1' Respecting the national reven4;..4 'ol..not desire to dis turb the pleasure the COTlgress must have ekpeiienced bn'iteAr ing the communications: I have just made to it. The public treasury is impoverished.; the revenue system requires - altera tion, and the necessities which it is urgent to . provide for are such as not to admit of delay , or procrastination. The Go vernment has undergone iffilcung struggles in the course of its administration, and the. Congress cannot . but approve the manner in which Whits been able to,Overcinue the struggle be . - tween urgent public nec.essiti:li, and the calamities with which the fortunes of the citizens have.been, The Congress of Cucuta passed the most beneficial the'old colonial revenues were diminished, and the substitution that was adopt ,ed to cover the deficit has not,at., tirreSpon'eled to the esti mates. The army, and the officers ,slif the eiVII l athuinistration and of the revenue, demand the retuigji.of that. part of their pay which the Govetnment hatEthOught proper to retain: the foru feltions, the marine, the artillery and magazines, the officers, the national establigithents, all require the consideration of Con. gress, and so urgently, that in my opinion, it ought to occupy its first sittings; for without pecuniary resources the Government cannot fulfil its duties; nor the nation profit by its independence and lib'erty. It is to the Chamber . of Representatives I* more especially direct my voice in thil matter: . two branches .of . revenue appear to-me capable of assisting us in providing,abun dandy the supplies I require —those-of tobacco and of customs. The first requires funds to improve it, and to make advances and the second, well regulated laws. If to these are added the improvements which I expect will be made in the other existing . branches, it may be expected that the people, beingless hur. dened, will themselves facilitate the means f improving the , national treasury. The Government Is 'desirous that the ex- • actions from the Clergy, known under the titles of mesada ecelesiaraix, annalidades, and nwdia.annata, may be entirely abolished. One of the objects to which I must direct the particular at ten-. tion of the Congress is our foreign debt. You, gentlemen, are aware. that the generosity of several foreigners, during calami tous periOda; re-animated the spirit of the Colombians, and sup plied them with the Means of maintaining gloriously thawar of independence; whatever may have been the views and specula tions of our auxiliaries, the Republic is their debtor, and we are bound to pay with fidelity. The complicated situation in Which this business is placed at present by the proceed ings of our agents in Europe, and more so by the difficult circumstances with which the Republic was surrounded, until last year, has presented the Government with serious difficulties, in adopting a conciliatory and decorous line of conduct. The Congress will be informed of all the details, and will be, con vinced of the prudence with which I have conducted an affair of so much delicacy , . I must, however, declare that our na tional honour should rise above all other considerations, by sa crificiag to it thatregularity and economy . which, - in other cir cumstances, we should zealously and rigourously enforce-- We are debtors, and we must pay at any sacrifice. The executive power the pro Congress videfortbe willpass a l payment of the tbe the gradual liquidation of the principal. h in Y te w re h s i t ch an i d. t The arms of Colombia have been covered with glory where-- ever they have proclaimed the laws and liberty, end even in their reverses they have preserved entire the character whi ch they had acquired. At the time when the Congress of Cucuta closed its sittings, the important fortresses of Carthagena and Ciunana were in the hands of the Spaniards; the isthmus and the provinces of the Captain-Generalship of Quito groaned under the tin j u st dominion of die Government of Madrid ; the province of Coro had been in a state of insurrection foment. ed by Spanish assents; the district of Ocana was under the dominion of a facti on ; the province of Guyaquil, disturbed in the interior, was enpostil to the fury of anarchy, and a ma ritime force fearlessly domineered over our Atlantic coast. Now, all has disappeared, and this immense territory, once in possession of Spain, is now under the protection of the laws and government of Colombia. Licentiousness, which generally fol. lows in the train of war, has not stained the reputation 'of the defenders of the Republic—the laws hive spoken—their voice has been more tremendous than the clash of arms, and the con querors in a thousand battles - have never hesitated to obey Arm with submission. A desperate attempt of the enemy, w hi c h his superior maritime f orce ena bl e d him to make, has roused the public spirit, and recalled to the liberating army its most.sacted duty—that of 'renewing its sacrifices for the nide pendence of the country. Maracaibo, being occimied by the ex pedltionarY General, the Executive Power conceived itself to ruction eolntt b . na e t I : eit a ia a d ni nte tn e hb : r eelnt departments e C e n it al e:orft be in the situation contemplated by Article 120 of the Consti ruxillo, d e tution, and hai used the extraordinary powers attributed to it invasioniess in n aesmn ott manner hhfeeicompleteiaor m r d a ya n o d at. n te ttdil r ie ms as will e,sit, distinctly. If I have not as yet experienced the satisfaction of l ts of that of-knowing that his intentions have been frustrated in the Venezuela and tloyaca are in a state-of security, the reinforce. disposed, and the fortresses of Puerto-Cabello and Maracaibo being in a state of rigorous blockade. Had it not been for the unfortunate occurrence of the insurrection of a few places in Santa Martha, the Government would now have announced to the Congress the freedom of the department of Zulia. The standing army and the national militia require careful regulations and organization ; without these, the Government will continue to experience such difficulties and opposition as the enormous difference between the political system of a free state and the military system of an absolute Monarchy neces sarily produce. The fortresses, which come into our possession in a ruinous state, require urgent repairs —the magazines and parks of artillery require stores and other warlike supplies, which render the Republic respectable. I recommend to the Congress with that ardour whi , ,h it is incumbent on me to f ee l, the fate of the Widows, and of the, soldiers and officers disabled in the service of the country ! , The exertions of 'the . OCivernment'have procured for the Republic a sufficient maritime' force to protect our coasts and the foreign trade. 11 - itl ut it we should be still subject to the Spanish squadron, to se superiority, as I have already said, the enemy is exclusts f indebted far the advantages iie has attained. But thii'faluable acquisition will be of no use, if the Congressdoes,not supply 'ills Jpnvenmnent with the means to maintain, increase, and - fepar ivliatever the course of military events, ovtlie accidents of the elements, may render necessary. The Setretirrof the Navy will lay before the Con gress more detailed information on this head, and will present to it the . result of the glorious trials which our forces have begun to make, together with the regulations, ordinances, and other provisions Which the excentiveluis made in virtue of the law, or procure and preserve such a maritime force as our geographic./ position requires. . . Gentlemen--I 'have lived only to contribute to the fulfilment: of the will of the nation : io tae rigorous observance of the laws 1 have sacrificed pnjects of utility and convenience, per suaded that subMissi - en to them is never more necessary than ill the commencement of the establishment of a political system, and that no opeought to bow to them with greater respect than he who is placed a the head of the Government: If challis, stances have obliged me to exercise the extraordinary powers which the constitution permits, it never has been my intention to avail myself of them either against the political freedom of the nation, or of the individual liberty of the citizens. Foreign enemies and internal tranquillity have been the only objects I have hud in view in the exercise of suck powers ; and in oiwitaiintihde which tothe its Republic. rperporpeescr l np i tt i al a rt t p i e voes e se n , d o e a f a n v d ° the to i r :n l a testimony of this truth I can app ea l t o t h e w h o l e popu l at i o n employ ,the authority fi li o a n ve d n ePos or ad ited vane in ed, ln sn y ft,' as my desires and my conscience led me to wish, the Congress must attribute it to the want of means, of time, and of tranquillity, anti not to nay sentiments. From the me.. ment when I took the reigns of Government, I was per suaded that I was placing myself under a load superior to my strength—that I renounced my liberty, and constituted myself a slave of' Colombia; and I must frankly confess, that if I did not, place my hopes in the labours and assistance of the Con gress, I should not hesitate a moment in recovering my liberty. In conclusion Gentlemen, I congratulate the Republic on the installation of the first Constitutional Legislature, and entreat of you, with the most ardent feelings of my heart, that we may unite our exertions, our vigilance, and our sentiments, tco labour fo r th e happiness of Colombia, and preserve entire the precious treasure of her independence and liberty. ' . FRANCISCO DE PAULO SANTANDER. Bogota, April 17, 1821-13th. `"