State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1831-1836, 1836-04-12

have these ever been successful under sim
liar circumstances Blood may smother,
Tor period, but can never eXtinguish the
fire Of liberty, which you have contributed
so much TO kindle in the bosom OF every
Colombian.
will not urge as an argument, the per-
sonal dangers to which you will be exposed.
But will ask if you could enjoy life, which
would be preserved by the constant execu-
ton Of so many human bengs-your coun-
trymen-your former friends and almost
your worshippers. The pangs Of such a
situation will be made more acute, by re-
fecting on the hallowed motive OF many of
those who would aim their daggers at your
bosom. That like the last Of the Romans
they would strike, not from hatred 10 the
man, but love TO the country.
From knowledge ofyour own DISPOSE
ton, and present feelings, your EXcellency
will not be willing 10 bel ieve, that you could
ever be brought TO commit an act Of tyran-
ny, or even to execute Justice with unne-
cessary vigor. But trust me, sir, that there
is nothing more corrupting, nothing more
destructive of the noblcst and finest feelings
Of our nature, than the exercise OF unlimt-
ed power. The man who, in the beginning
OF such career, might shudder at the idea
OF taking away the life Of fellow being,
might soon have his conscience so scared
by the repetition Of crime, that the agonies
oil his murdered victims nigh! become mu-
sic to his soul, and the drippngs OF the
Scaflod afford "bood enough TO swim in"
History is full of such examples.
From this disgusting picture, permit me
10 call the attention of your Excellency to
one Of different character. 1t exhibits
you as the constitutional Chief Magistrate
of a free people. Giving to their represen-
tatives the influence of your great name
and talents, to reform the abuses which in
long reign oltyranny and misrule, have
fastened upon every branch of the admins
tration. The army and its swarm of Off
GERS, reduced within the limits of real use
Gulness, placed on the frontiers, would be
no longer permitted to control public opin-
ion, & I've the terror OF the peaceful citizen.
BY the removal of this incubus from the
treasury, and the establishment OF order,
responsibility and economy, in the eXpen-
dtukeS of thc Government, it would soon
be enabled to dispense with the odious mo-
nopolies, and the duty OF the .4lcaUdla,
which have operated with so much malign
=
and indeed, upon the revenues which they
were intended 10 augment. No longer OPP
pressed by these Shackes, industry would
every where revive ; the farmer and the
arlizan, cheered by the prospect OF ample
reward for their labor, would rcdouble their
eXertions foreigners, with their capital
and their skill in the arts would crowd hlh-
er, TO enjoy the advantage which could
scarcely, elsewhere, he found and Colon
bia would soon exhibit the reality of the
beautiful fiction of Frnelun-Salentum ri
sing from misery and oppression, TO pros
perity and happiness, under the councils
and directions of the concealed goddess.
What objection can be urged against this
course? Can any one acquainted with the
circumstances OF the country, doubt its sue
cess, in restoring s. maintaining tranquility.
The people would certainly not revolt "a
gainst themselves and none Of the Chiefs
who are supposed TO be lactiously incline
would think ofopposng the strength Of the
nation when directed by your talents and
authority. But it is said, that the want OF
intelligence amongst the people units them
for their own Government. Is it not right,
however, that the experiment should be
fairly tried have already said, that this
has not been done. For myself, do not
hesitate to declare my firm belief, that it
will succeed. The people Of Colombia
possess many traits of character, suitable
fer republican government. A more or
derby, lorbearing and well disposed people
are no where TO he met with. Indeed, il
may safely be asserted, that their faults and
vices are attributable TO the cursed Govern
ment to which they have been so long sub
lected and to the intolerant character of
The religion, whilst their virtues are all their
own. But admitting their present want Of
intelligence, no one has ever doubted their
capacity to acquire knowledge, aud under
the strong motives which exist, 10 obtain
it, supported by the influence OF your Ex-
cellency, il would soon be obtained.
10 yourself the advantage would be as
great as 10 the country like acts of mercy,
the blessings would be reciprocal; your
personal happiness secured, and your fame
| elevated 10 a height which would leave but
a single competitor in the estimation OF
postcrity.
II the fame of our Washington depended
upon his military achievements, would the
common consent OF the world allow him the
pre-emlnence he possesses The victories
at Trenton, Monmouth, and York, brilliant
as they were, exhibiting as they certainly
did, the highest grade OF military talents,
are scarcely thought of. The source OF the
veneralion and esteem which is entertained
for his character, by every description o
polillcians--the monarchist and arlSlocral,
as well as the republican, is to be found in
his underwriting aud exclusive devotedncss
to the interest of his country. No selfish
consideration was ever suffered TO intrude
itself into his mind. For his country he
conquered a; and the unrivalled and ncrca-
sing prosperity Of that country is cons ant
ly adding fresh glory TO his name. Gen.
eral, the course which he pursued is oper
to you, and il depends upon yourself 10 at
tain the emincnee which he has reached