Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-06-25
M r 9 G Il L Ia N z.


genuine spirit of '76. In these degenerate
days of our own Republic, ii is refreshing
to witness so truly glorious an exhibition
ofprlmitIve patriotism in our young sister
ofSouth America. Though its style il
perhaps rather glowing for Northern con
situations, it does but express the honest
sentiments of a lofty and high-minded pat.
riot of the South: man for whose senti-
ments and principles, moral and political
those who know him entertain the highest
respect. Our honored senior OF New York
remarks that an intimate personal acquain'
lance with General Santander, during his
temporary residence in that city, led to
the most favorable opinion of bis under
standing, talents, and character; and ev-
cry public act Of his, which has fallen IN
der our observation, has confirmed the
| impressions.
By the constitution Of that Republic, no
person is eligible to the office Of President
a second time. Such, however, has been
the popularity of General SantaEder, That
! proposition has been made to amend
| that article Of the Constitution, for the a
vowed purpose of preparing the way for
his re election, Upon ascertaining this
fact, through the medium Of publication
in one OF the journals. he published the
article which we copy below; and which
exhibits sternness of principle. and an
| elevation of virtue, that would have done
honor TO Washington:
Solemn Protest of General Sahtander,
against the paper entitled ".an I'M
portant Question:"
1t is the practice in Great Britain and
France, on occasions when any important
subject is agitated, which may affect the
honor of the Government and country. for
Government to make solemn declaration
of their views. In the United States, the
President is accustomed to express his o.
pinions, over his signature, in the public
papers, as an homage due to his princi.
Piles and the National honor. find my.
self in situation in which it is proper TO
initiate these examples, and to make, for
the first time, public protest with res
pect to the important Question" which
a paper of Sunday last has introduced for
discussion, perhaps with very evil inten-
| tons.
The perusal Of that paper has given me
| the most ntimpressions. 1t deep
ly wounds my honor, and that of my
friends, the Congress. and all New Ora
NADIA. No other publication has ever pain
ed me in an equal degree. It discusses the
question of holding a Convention TO amend
the l02d article of the Constitution which
prohibits the reelection of the President
and Vice President Of the Republic; and
this is sufficient to make me experience
the greatest anxiety and distress Of mind.
When few months ago, in another paper
an attempt was made TO create an alarm
in similar manner, despiscd it. as the
effect of party spirit and resentment. The
subject now appears to me under another
aspect, and if my silence might be inter-
preted as expressing appreciation Of the
opinion Of the author Of the important
Question" should be responsible TO the
country for the evils which might ensue
owe her therefore, this public declaration
A republican by birth, by principles,
and by claims of honor, have been one
from the first epoch of the revolution, and
am so still. have never contradicted the
principles of a republican: have profess
sed them in the field of battle, in the GO
yernment palace, in the dungeons of Be-
cacbica, amidst the prosperity as well as
the mislortunes of the country-alike in
obeying as in command. Under all cir.
cumstances have given strong proofs of
them, and have sacrificed an eminent po-
litcal station. resigned tranquility, sepa-
rated myself from respectable and useful
friendships, exposed myself TO caumny
and rsked my life. may have commit
ted errors amongst the great political ques-
tons which have been agitated in the
course of "a revolutionary years; but
have never vacillated in acting according
to the belief, that New Granada ought to
have republican representative govern
rnent with all its consequences. ! cannot
and ought not in future to proceed in con-
tradiction to such a course, especially
since long and political career has in
some degree established a character for
me at home and abroad.
accepted the Presidency Of the repub-
lie after reading the constitution dictated
by its legitimate representatives. ! have
yielded to it a submission perfectly volun-
tary and have believed, that after past
commissions, the greatest good which
could do to my country, was religiously Ia
respect its political code, 20 guard and en-
force it, My opinions, both in the Gov.
eminent and out OF it, with respect to the
alteration of the constitution, have con.
stantIy been, that none ought TO be pro
posed in twenty years. whatever might be
The defects or Inconvenience Of any Of il:
articles because it seemed important, a.
bove all things, TO the prosperity of the
country, to leave the fundamental laws Il
acquire strength, in order TO destroy tb'
spirit Of innovation, instead OF giving then
a transitory character, and rendering
them weak and despised, by periodical.
reforming them.
have often maintained the opinion, il
opposition 10 the political vertigo. whicl
once seized upon some of my fellow-ciil
zens, that no man is necessary to th