Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1828-10-18
From the New York Daily Advertiser.
FROM COLOMBIA.

Our Correspondent in Carthagena has FUR
= nisheL US with the "Gaceta" TO the 18th OF
September, and we have been Obliged TO friend
Tor the loan Of another file 10 the same date, al
so received by The brig Athenian.
b The last number OF this paper contains the
Organic Decree Of Bolivar, signed by him at Boz
gotta. on the 27th of August by which he in
vests himself with most OF the powers hereto
fore assigned TO the Congress, and thus secur-
ed to The people, while the constitution was in
existence. He makes provision for the calling
Of another convention, but poatpones il till the
I'd Of January, 1880, before which he may &C
complish mighty projects for himself, if, as
is TO be feared, he enlertains them.
No, having room 10 insert this decree al full
length, we shall give an abbreviated view OF its
import and provisions. The preamble exhi-
bits the following as the reasons by which he
has been actuated in establishing this arbitrary
government in 4 country recently under re-
pu Slic an system. That convention having
been called by Congress, IN obedience 10 the
general wish OF The country, and having de-
clared, in conformity with the pubic voice, the
incompetency Of the constitution, but having
dissolved, without being able to effect the de-
sired refoi nation; and whereas the people have
placed their country in his hands, that he
might save i, from anarchy, aud whereas it is
not lawful MIN 10 dUduOOH hci, w
termined TO exercise the supreme power as Ii
5erator President, and publishes the Organic
Decree.
The lst section relates to the "Supreme
Power" TO whom it provides, shall belong:
"lsi. To establish and preserve internal order
and tranquility, and to secure the state against
external attack; Cd. 10 command The land aud
sea forces; Sd 10 direct diplomatic negocia-
tious, 10 declare ,oar form treaties OF peace add
friendship, alliance, neutrality, commerce, &c.
with foreign governments; 4rh Appoint to all
Offices Of the Republic, and TO remove or sub
cessary DEGREES and regulations OF any nature
tchatersr, and to alter reform OF abrog. te estab
lished iatcs;" 9Th. To provide for the execu>
ton Of the laws; 7lH. To conduct with care the
revenue; 9th. To nave justice administered;
"9th. To approve o. alter the sentences OF
councils Of way and courts martial in criminal
causes against officers Of the army and navy,
10th To commute capital punisbments, with
the advice Of the council OF state and the courts;
nth. To grant particular armislices and par
dous, with he consent OF the council Of state;
IL To grant letters Of marque and reprissl;
18th. "In Short" 10 do every thing, as the SUI
p-eme power; l4,h. To preside in the Council
Of State when he pleases; 18th. TO be assisted
by a council If ministers.
State, and the Council Of Ministers. The latter
is to be composed Of a President and the Mi
nisters Of State, who are distributed into The
s departments of Government, Justice, War,
the Navy, Treasury and Foreign Relations; TO
be created, like every thing else hereafter in CO.
lomaia, I'D, decree" They are liable To be
Judged, for failure in thei, duty, by court 'au.
Ihorisrd by another decree" so ,ha, il Bolivar
does not choose To punish those Of his crea>
.ures who dis please him, his other creatures
will do it
The Council Of State will consist Of the Pre-
sident ofihe Council of Ministers, the Secre,a-
ri~. of StA,e, and at least one councillor for
each existing department ofrhe Republic. It's
powers ar, confined 10 giving opinions, recon-.
menting officers, S<c..
The 4th section divides the Republic into
pref,tiures, under protects, the agents OF the
Supreme Power, with powers and duties like
those Of Intendsnrs. Intendencies are suppress
ed, aud Goyern'rs are 10 be appointed TO the
PROVINCES.
The sth section relates to Courts; and the
9th, under "Genersl Arrangements" declares
that all Colombians in they eye Of the law are
equally capable TO serve in any office, &C.; that
indi, I'd ual liberty Is guaranteed; hut that the po
lice may make arrests for state offenc IS, SC.
without formality; that the liberty of the press
10 TO be restrained only 10 prevent abuses: ,ha,
property is inviolable; lawful business is for
hidden 10 any; petitIoning is allowed; aud the
Catholic Religion will be protected by the gov
eminent The duties Of CoIombians are enu-
mera'ed, almost as II in contempt for the rights
Of self government, and creating their own Off
GERS, which have been thus sacrificed Their
duties comprised III these few words-"To |
live suhject TO the government, and obey the |
laws, DEGREES regulations and Instructors Of the
Supreme Power, and see hat thy are obeyed; |
respect and obey the authorities; contribute 10 |
puShc expenses in proportion 10 their proper
ty; serve the country, and be ready TO defend it,
even 10 the sacrifice ofre2ose, property, and life,
&c necessary"
Bolivar, in some degree, however. sull pro-
frsses something Of his former feelings with re-
gard TO The supreme command. In Procla.
nation he declares, (whst We do NOT believe,
that he has been placed in this situation by the
public wish; and, saying that he will secure