The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1810-06-22

to us. are but insignificant oucries, illusory
promises; in a word. the articles by which
our infancy and chains have been prolonged?
Is not this TO give us to understand that we
are locked on as ideots who do not know
| what belongs to them or rs slaves who in
humiliation must live satisfied
Caracas has long suppressed these feel
ings; she believed that the union of all the
Spanish dominions was the only means
which could save the metropolis from the
tempest which burst upon her; and, sacri-
hcing to this precious union her private in
terests, gave to the world sublime lesson
of moderation and acknowledgements. But
the principal part of the Peninsula being oc-
cupied by the arms of the French tyrant--
the Central Junta dissolved, and the inlivi
duals that composed it dispersed with con
tempt, wha, other part of safety remained
for the Americans but this. No longer to
confidc their surety to the authorities con-
stituted by that same Junta. and placed BY
the sad result of the war. the disorder and
overthrow of the government, in a state of
true independence The conduct they had
la,ely assumed in Caracas the vexations
suffered, not only from the city council, has
been eve. by the tribunal Of the royal audi
ence their repeated attempts against the
laws, and the general suspicion with which
they we're behe.d. urged their deposition !;
and in fact, the unanirnIty of the people of
Caracas verified il /; but in such rnodera-
ton and generosity as were unknown III the
History Ut nati0ns.
| Iothe reasons indicated, and which re-
gard all the deposed. your Excellences Will
please to add others. with respect to the
captain general aud snb-inspertor of the ar
itillery. II is notorionsly known that both
were in Madrid at the period of Murat's
administration. and at the time of its capi-
'uiation they are therefore individually
sworn TO the French government. The first
has divuiScd that the same Napoleon desti
ned him for captain general of Caracas :;
and in a Gazette of that court, we have seen
the confirmation of it given by the obtruded
Spanish monarch in the name of the Central
Junta.
These are the motives which Caracas
mad the rights she has obtained, she is de-
termined to make known to the other pro =
vinces of America We flatter ourselves
that, sooner or later. they will be unanimous.
and it it should happen that such sentiments.
so contormable to nature and equity, should
be suftocated, it would be an additional proof
OF the violent despotism they suffer.
III is very easy to mlsrepresent the spirit
OF our proceedings. and to make commoti-
on. though produced by the loyalty and
sense of our rights. but we appeal to the
voice OF reason we appeal to the vote of O.
ther cities and poSterity in short, we appeal
to the internal testimony of your Excel
lencieS' conscience, and the PRINCIPLES
which the same Central Junta has repeated
ly proclaimed. Sc.
We regret to hold to your Excellencies a
language. which of course must appear BIT
ter to yon but we venture to say, that YOUR
Excellencies would render the best proof of
your righteous intentions, and of tho liberal
lty OF your thoughts, by giving an impartial
ear, and inciining like us to true sold uni
on OF tile Spanish dominions Of both hemis-
pheres-"a union, which if not founded on e.
quality OF right, can be of no duration nor
Iconsistence. In fine, we disavow the new
Council of Regency but, Spain saves her.
self, we shall be the first to vow obedience
to government constituted on a lawful and
equitable basis we shall afford to our Eu
ropean brethren the aid our actual scarcity
allows Us, as long as the holy struggle IN
which they are engaged endures and those
who despairing of its happy issue shall seek
tor another native Country in Venezuela,
Will lind generous hospitality and true fra
ternity.
God preserve your ExcellencIes manv
years.
(Signed)
Joschh de los Liamosa,
Martin I1Uar Ponfe.
Caracas, May 8, 1910