Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-11-19
From the Albany Daily Advertiser.
A PURE MILITARY CHIEFTAiN.

rator. assumed BY a public act the extra
ordinary functions Belonging to the Su
preme Dic,atorial Power In the exercis
OF bis powers, Gen. Bolivar did not scril
pie TO employ the hayonets OF his subordl
nate officers, and to usnrp a control OF ID
diplomatic relations Of the whole country
Punishment, coniiscation. and death. wer
decreed by an irresponsible power; th
press. with the exception Of the Govern
ment organs, was mute /; and tho inter
change OF popular sentiment vas checke,
and guarded by authority. Under sucl
circumstances every thing was tipe for
change. from the ostcnsibie form Of a Re
public, 10 name as well as essence OF al
unalloyed despoiism. The foundations o
a throne were laid, and the popular gage
gradually preparing for the glorics Of the
diadem about TO be Inflicted on lis aching
sight,
Ii was at this eventful period when al
that was worth a struggle seemed to be
placed at hazard. that Gen Harrison, true
10 the guiding principles Of his life, sought
10 avert the impending destruction OF the
dearest rights and blessings Of mankind
10 his private and official character no al
dressed a letter TO Simon Bolivar, the mi.
hiary chieliain, who with bis lips profess
ing liberty. yet painted for a diadem. aud
whose hand was ready to grasp the scep
ire ola kingdom, though ii had welded
the sword or the Republic, believing that
a pause in bis march TO the throne might
be effected by a timely and discreet inter-
ference. and that Bolivar's path might he
changed from one Of despotism and blood,
to QUE Of safety and true glory, Gen. liar.
rison determined to essay the rescue ofthe
republic, by the single but majestic wta
pom Of solemn truth.
Ia his letter TO the Dictator, the North
American General addressed the soundcst
and most unanswcrable arguments agalnat
the transmution Of a free government like
Colombia into a monarchy under the alb
solute sway ofeven such a man as Bolivar.
He cloquently warned that aspiIant against
the consequences which would follow his
continued retention Of despelic power
lie assured him, that with whatever re-
~luciance he might commence his career,
and with whatever disposition 10 abandon
it when lis objects had been obtained,
when once entered he would be borne
along by the irresistible force Of pride, and
habit OF conmand-nay. self preservation
would render a recession imp aciicable.-
He depicted in glowing colors the horrors
Of civil war, which must inevitably arise
from the attempt to sustain a government
by military force, in a land whose soil was
soaked by The blood Of the patriot sons Of
Colombia when those who called Bolivar
"Father,n aud invoked blessings on his
head, would he hacked TO pieces by the
crimson sabres Of his military myrmidons,
their dying breath expended IN cxecrations
upon their Despotic Betraycr.
Gen. Harrison's argument also contrmi'
ed that the strongest Of all governments IS
that which is most free, and referred TO the
United States as an Illustration in all par
ticuiars, Of the superiority Of a popular SO
vernment, over one weakened ny pefpe
tusl necessity Of maintaining its power IN
all its sections by the vigilance OF a militia
nv force. lie also went into an inqliry
as 10 the operation Of the government Of
a military chicffain. upon the prosperity
Of The people themselves. and demonstrated
lis Injurious and blighting character.
The following extract shows in most
luminous characters General Hafrison's
adherence Of those repulsive %colors. IN
which history has painted men, who were
mere "Miiitary Chieftains," and not pure
patriots; who could not beat the sword
into the plough share, and like Cincinna-
return from the camp 10 the farm. un
quieted by the promptings Of an unholy
ambition.
..In relation 10 the effect which this 10.
vesiment Of power is TO have upon your
happiness aud your fame. will the pomp
and glitter of a court, and the ilattery Of
courtiers, reward you for the trouble
and anxieiies attendant upon the exercise
of sovereignty, every where. and those
will flows from your peculiar situation p
Or power. supported by HE bsyonet, for
that willing homage which you were wont
to receive from your fellow citizens P The
groans Of a dissatisfied and oppressed PEG
pie will penetrate the inmost recesses OF
YOUR palace, and you viii be tortured by
the reflection, that you no longer possess
that place in their affections which was
once your pride and your boast, and which
would have been your solace under every
TCttIoC Oi tDItuhE- oUSuBRVttt' " 'H
people, your authority can be maintained
only by the ierrors Of the sword and the
scaffold. And have these ever been sue
cessful under similar circumstanccsp-
Blood may smother for a period, but can
never ~extinguish the fire Of liberty, which
you have contributed SO much TO kindle,
in the bosom Of every Colombian.
al will not URGE, as an argument The
personal dangers to which you will be ex
posed. But | will ask if you could enjoy
life, which would be preserved by the con
slant execution OF SO many human beings;
your countrynen, your former friends
and almost your w%orshippcrs." TheraDgs
Of such a situation viii be made the more
acute, BY rejecting on the hallowed mo
tive Of many ofthose who would aim Their
daggers at your bosom, That like the
last OF the Romans, they would strike not
from hatred TO the man, but from love 70
the country.