The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1827-04-05

public, | arrived at the capital; where |
was speedily summoned 10 the depart
ments Of the ancient Venezuela.
From Bogota to this city, have .ssucd
DEGREES so important, that make bold TO
declare il Of the greatest moment that
your Excelency should call the attention
of Congress to them, and request that body
from me, TO take them into their wise con-
sideration. II have over-stepped the
boundaries of my authority, the fault lies
solely with me-I willingly consecrate ev-
en- my innocence to the safety of the Re-
public.--This sacrifice was required OF me,
and glory in not having delayed it.
When in Peru, an official notice brought
me intelligence Of my elevation, by the
people, to the Presidency of the Republic
declined to the Executive power the ac-
ceptance OF the Chief Magis Edcy of the
nation. For fourteen years have fulfilled
the office of the Supreme Head and Presi-
dent OF the Republic: dangers forced this
duty upon me. which no longer existing,
leaves me at liberty 10 retire 10 the enjoy
ment Of private life.
beg Of Congress 10 cast a regard upon
the situation of Colombia, of America, and
OF the entire world every thing seems to
flatter us.-Tbere is not a Spanard upon
the American Continent. Domestic peace
has reigned in Colombia since the com
mencement of the present year. Many
powerful nations retogr'Z. our politics al eX-
istence, and some are Joined To rs by the
bonds of friendship and anity. A large
portion of the American States are in alli-
ance with Colombia, and Spain is at pre-
sent menaced 10y Great Britain: What
more can we hope for? The womb of time
can alone contain the mmensity Of happl-
ness which has been prepared us by a
bountltul Providence, in whom has been
our only reliance. As for me, suspicious
Of a tyrannlcal usurpation rest upon my
name, and disturb the hearts of the Colon
bans. Republicans, Jealous of their liber-
ties, cannot consider me without a secret
dread, because the pages OF history tell
them that all those placed III similar sltua-
tons have been ambitious.
In vain do | wish to propose the example
Of Washington as my detcnce and IN
fact, as mere exceptions can effect nothing
against the experience OF the world, " hic h
has always been oppressed by the 70 yer
fu.
/ sigh between the distrcsscs Of my fell
low citizens, and the sc ntence that awaits
me in the Judgment of posterity. ! my
self am aware that | am not free from am
bition, and therefore desire TO cXtricate
myself from the grasp of that fury, to free
my fellow citizens from all inquetude, and
70 secure after my death, that reputation
which may be entitled to, for my zeal in
the cause Of liberty with such sentiments
| renounce again and again. the Presiden
cy Of the Republic. Congress and the ma
tons must receive the abdlcatIon rs irrevo
cable Nothing vii! be able to Oblige me
TO continue in the public service, to which
] have already dedicated my entire life
And now that the triumph of liberty has
placed the sublime right within the enjoy
mcnt of every one, shall alone be dcpri-
we'd oft? No: Congress and the Colon
bIan people are Just: they viii not com
pei me to an ignouinious dcserton.-. Few
are the DAYS which now remain 20 me
more than tWo-th,rds Of my existence have
already passed let me, therefore, be per
mltted to await peaceful death in the oh
scure and silent retreat OF my patcrnal re-
sidence. My sword and my heart will, new
crlheloss, always be with Colombia, and my
last signs will ascend to Heaven in prayers
for her continued prosperity.
Ipray, therefore, Congress and my fel-
low citizens. to confer OH me the title Of a
prirate cjH-cn.
God guard your EyccIlcncy.
Signed, SIMON BOLIVAR.