Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1822-04-26
ADDRESS
Ofhe Congress Of Colombia, al the close Of It's
Infe cpccin,, 10 lie PannIn
ADDRESS


late session, to the People.
CoLoMBIANs-This day the congress ter
inmates the august duties with which il was
charged, and its members, your representa-
tives, retire TO their respective homes, with
the confidence that they have accomplished
yOnr wishes.
There remains to You a constitution, such
as has appeared best adapted to the condition
of the country, and calculated to ensure to-
you your liberty and aggrandizement.
The republic has been consolidated by the
integral and legitimate union ofthe territories
which at present compose it. The duties Of
the rulers have been detailed and circum-
SC ibed. Your rights enjoy the most solemn
pledges for their security.
The territory is now divided iito depart
ments, and these have received the necessary
organization in all branches.
Courts OF justice, have been e~tc5iished 10
settle your differences, and punish dclinquents,
and with view TO the common benefit of the
citizens tribunals of appeal have been proyl-
ded, In every province, for causes of lesser
Importance. The administration of Justice
Influences, in great measure, the safety of
the citizen, and it has accordingly deserved
the particular consideration of Congress
Ignorance was the support of the Spanish
government, as being the only condition that
can support slavery but our republic cannot
maintain itself except by the virtues and the
knowledge ofits citizens. In order, therefore,
to advance this great object, Congress has
determined to establish schools, houses of
education, colleges and universities and has
appropriated the property of the suppressed
religious establishments to its accomplish
ment
Neither has the condition of the unhappy
portion OF men, who bore the yoke of slavery
amongst you, been overlooked. Yet in de-
creeiDg the abolition of slavery, in prescribing
forever this barbarous custom, Congress has
not been unjust to innocent proprietors /: it has
offered the homage due to reason, without
being deaf TO the claims Of possession sane
toned by good faith.
The public revenue, much lessencd by the
calamities OF a disastrous war, is established by
canonlcal and salutary laws, such dispositions
having been adopted, as while they augment
the income, will diminish the heavy taxes that
J oppressed the people. NOmUre shall you pay
! internal taxes (dereehos dc cabala) on the
, alImentary products of your industry the du-
lies on imports being lessened as much as was
found possible. Those on exports are like
wise much less than they were before.
The distilling of spritnous liquors is free ;
and this exemption, which removes such hea-
Wy vexations, must prove to the state a fruit
iul source Of riches and prosperity.
BY the laws on repenue you will anticipate
the happy condition Of being able to submit
with the least expense, and gain your liycii-
hood with facility. But as the government
must, at the same time, make increased and
unavoidable expenses, Congress has decrced
Il direct contribution, proportioHed to the mean:
of the contributors, which all shall pay equally
and which shall be collected without addition.
| al expense. This is the work Of your repre-
sentativcs. They believe that they have full
filed your intentions; and on you depend.
what still is requisite to consolidate Colombia
and elevate her to the high grade OF prosperi
/ ty 10 Which her destinies call her. lave in in
timaic aud hrOthcrIy union, spare each other
! and admit not into your hearts jealousy no
rlyalsbV. These are the arms which YOU
enerhics have ever exercised to spread dis
cord. Lpion will make you strong, and pu
an end Ca cruelwar of eleven years. Dissrn
'ian VII deprive you ofrepose. and Of the gen