The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register., 1825-09-01
From the North American Review.
BOLIVAR.

tory, and indeed in the history of modern
revolutions, is Bolivar. To whatever it may
be ascribed, whether to accident, singular
good fortune, the highest order of personal
merit, or to all combined, Bolivar has raised
himself to an eminent station in the list OF
successful heroes, and remarkable men.
He was born at Caracas, about the year
1885, and is said to be descended from a
family of distinction in that place. AS a fa-
vor granted to very few OF the native youths
of South America, he was permitted to fin
ISL his studies at Madrid He afterwards
visited different parts Of Europe, travelled
in Italy, Germany, England, and France,
and was on very intimate terms in Paris with
Humboldt and Bonpland. He returned to
Madrid, where he married the daughter OF
the Marquse of Ulstariz, and soon departed
for his native country. His wife did not sur
vive many years, and he has not been mar
ried second time.
Whilst yet in Europe, he had formed the
design of devoting himself to the cause of
South American independence, when the
course of events should point to suitable
time; and as it happened, he arrived at
Venezuela just as the standard of liberty
was beginning to be unfurled there by Mi
randa and his associates. Bolivar was not
entirely satisfied, however, with the Gcner-
al system OF measure pursued by the patriot
party and he avoided taking any active part
He did not approve the new constitution,
which the congress of Venezuela had adop-
ted at Caracas, and he declined request
to be united with Don Lopez Mendez on a
mission to England, designed to promote the
interests of the government formed on the
principles of this constitution.
But the time soon came when he felt it
his duty not to be kept inactive by a mere
difference of opinion. The con titution, as
It is well known did not succeed; the wars
and disasters which pressed Immediately
upon its adoption, proved its insutficiency,
and dispelled the hopes which its friends
had entertained ofts power to concentrate
the interests and the action OF its scattered
people, suffering under numerous privatons,
and engrossed with the necessary care Of
self-defencc IN different parts. Bolivar per-
ceived that this was net a time to deliberate
on theoretical schemes Of government; he
joined tn" army under Miranda, and engag-
cd in the contest with zeal and patriotism,
that raised him to Il speedy popularity and
influence From that day to this his history
is in the eyes of the world; it has been a sue
cession of splendid achievements, which
have gained for his name merited place on
the same tablet with that of Washington.
The brightest records Of ancient or modern
fame, have nothing prouder to offer. Time
and future events must show, whether this
hero ofthe South will complete the parallel
with his illustrious model, which may thus
far be run with 50 much seeming justice.
In some respects Boiyar's ultimate sue
cess has been remarkable He was several
times unfortunate in his early career as
soldier, and more than once his enemies in
his own country, as well as those from a
broad, triumphed over him. But it is one
mark of a great mind to rise above defeat,
and restore the confidence which i'll success
has weakened. Ills ambition has never
been too strong fer his integrity, and a sin
cere desire for his country's good For
considerable period he was Supreme Dct.-
Tor with all the army AT his command; but
y hen a calm was in some degree restored,
congress convened, and favorable pros
pect seemed to open, Of establishing solid
basis Of government, he voluntarily Welded
up all power, and insisted on returning to
the rart. OF a private citzcn. This was &C.
coidhElj done, till he was re-chusca BY the
new congress to be commander in chief 81
the army under the constitution and the
laws. Twice lie has by mere accident cS-
caped a$sassi-.a alton. III the first instance
the dagger which was intended for him, was
plunged into the heart of his secretary, who
happened to be sleeping in the hammock
usually occupied BY himself
Energy is the predominant trait Ct lis
character. His movements are always
prompt, decisive, and rapid, and at the
same time directed with SO much discretion,
that, with force frequently inferior il num-
bers and discipline to th4t of the enemy, lie
has been abb to carry through a successful
warfare, with Morillo, Morales, Montevtrc
and other Of the most experienced Spanish
generals. His generosity has been much
praised: lie gave his slaves their freedom,
and is said TO contribute principal portion
of the income Of his estate in afIordng re
lief to tic widows and children Of soldiers
who have lost their lives III battle. AS a
companion he is social and pleasant, tem-
perate in his habits, abstcmious liz his dict,
and drinks no splrituous liquor. His CON
stitution has suffered by the severe trials,
both of body and mind, which lie has gone
through His speeches and addresses,
which have been published, eviuce sound
and practical views and adaptation of pur-
pose, rather than depth Of thought and
great intellectual resources. His celebrated
speech at the opening Of the Congress Of
Augostura, we suppose to be his most re-
markabe effort in this way, and that speech
shows at least, that he had studied profound
ly the history and principles OF various
forms of government and had most serious
/ form which should BE best suited to secure
Il 4.