Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1821-09-11
SPANISH AMERICA.
COLOMBIAN REPUBLIC.


Martina, down TO the Esd of June. The latest
number contains copioIis minutes of the pro-
ceedings vi the Colombian congress assembled
at Cucuta, and an interesting letter addressed
ny president Bolivar, relinql,ishing into the
hands of the national representatives, the au-
thorIty with which he had been SO long invested
and assigning his motives for declining TO re.
sumo that station, should congress be disposed
| to re-inyest him.
Inns act appears to have been seriously and
long dell5erated, since, upon recurring to the
oihciai account of the battle of Carabobo. of
the 2!th june last, 1t appears that the president
exercising the high powers with which he was
invested, had placed general Paez in the chief
command ofthe army. That battle placed the
Colombian republic free, and unrestrained, by
lorelgn armies, and the occasion which present
ed itself, and which indeed appears to have
! gwen unusual energy TO the conflict, presented
! the iairest occasion, which ever on the field of
victory was seized upon
The conduct of president Bolivar, on this
occasion, verifies the predictions of those who
knew HIM best, and completes the renown
winch will be as durable as the country TO
which he has devoted himself, and the history
OF It's Vlclssltudes, sacrifices, sufferngs, self
denais, consistency, and its triumphs-a people
In iact whom is but truth to say that his genius
prepared for the independence to which he
has led them.
Perhaps there is another trait that is no less
TO be admired. The selection of gen. Paez.
a man ofprimitive purity of mind and habits
second only to Bolivar, in the general esteem
OF their countrymcn.
we have frequently felt an inclination to
review the career of this great man. having
abundant though not very connected materials.
we have seen in some European print the fol-
lowing lines, which are certainly both beauti-
| full and true.
Yicit miles, ,ixit obiit civis Washinoton
fMric liberaten yindcat arms Bolivar dllx et ciy
however much we admire the frinncss and
the maSnanimity of this latest step of president
Bolivar, we certainly consider the step pre-
mature. His experience of affairs in the actual
state of the republic, before IFS constitution has
yet received even its characteristic form and
still more, there is something due from him
! 10 the other parts of the ianguage-the south
ana the north look TO the Columbian republic.
ior PROMISED aids, counsels, and co cooperation,
Whlch, asa private citizen he couldnot so ellec-
tuaily renderas in that station where he has been.
in fact, the soul Of the revolution. Not that we
suppose that Columbia is wanting of capable
and good men-experience has proved that,
however severe her losses i'm such mer as
PHdcaas, RoScio, and the gallant and intelligent
CeGenao, and an hundred Others that when
occasions have required men, the occasion has
created them, or found them created for great
occasions.
We give a short sketch from the Santa
Martha Gazette, of the congressional pro-
ceedngs, and president Boivar's letter
May lO.-Congress has been hitherto en-
pioyed IN the affairs of the internal admins
| tratlon and the organization of those affairs
winch may be dcnominated national this
congress being, in fact, the first complete and
ehective assembly OF representatives from the
| several departments of the whole republic
| The first measure after the organization of
the assembly itself, was the confirmation by
an express resolution, of the appointment of
the president and vice president of the repub-
lie, and the continuance of their functions until
the constitution should be determined. and ifs
forms established permanently.
The 18th ofMay, was assigned for the discus
sion ofthe fundamental principles ofthe govern
ment,and the distribution offunction and now
| ers.
| For the defnitiye union of Cundinamarca
and Venezuela.
And for the constitutional means of promot-
ing the permanent union and prosperity of the
whole of the provinces.
communication was received by congress
ll.d "
ing his homage and obedience to the sovereign
authority of the people, vested in congress-
he intimates desire to be relieved from the
| high trusts with which he had been hitherto
| honOred by the confidence ofhis fellow citizens
(which was referred.
May l7.-Congress was this day engaged
IN general committee on the state of the nation :
| the fiscal system came first under deliberation,
and collection Conformation of every kind
on the public resources; the amount of every
| species of revenue the annual expenditures.
| past and future and the means of fixing their
administration upon wholesome foundations,
and rendering the system permanent, equal
and efficient.
Many important topics were brought up
during this sltllng-amODg others the appoint
! nent of standing committees to examine and
report upon the different points of the consti-
tuition, and the various projects which had
been presented to congress. These commit
tees to be distinct from those previously exist
/ ing who have charge of public business.
Congress has also had under discussion. the
establishment Of the rules and orders for con
Quoting their deliberations and debates in
which there appeared to be perfect acqualnt-
ance with the forms and usages of other repre-.
sentative bodies in different parts of the world
The mode of proceeding in the initiation oil
laws-the presentation of propositions-th
digestion of propositions as the basis of laws
&c. 1t was determined that all projects o
laws should be first presented in the form of
resolution expressing the object proposed, ant
upon debate il carried in the affirmative, thai
leave be given to bring in bill or project o
a law--the resolution TO be presented bv the
mover in writing, and delivered to the prcsid
ing officer Of congress-that after hearing TN
proposcr Of a measure, other members shal
be heard-that the absolute majority Of mem
bers present shall decde-thc projects oflaw