Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-06-12

indeed, upon the revenues which they were intended
to augment. No longer oppressed by these %shackles,
industry would every where revive: the farmer and
the artisan, chccrcl by the prospect of ample reward
for their labo1r, would rcdoublc their cXertions for
cigncrs, with their capital and skill in the arts, would
crowd hithcr, TO enjoy the ADVANTAGES winch cou!d
scarcely, elsewhere, be found and Columbia would
soon exhibit the reality ofthc beautiful fiction Of Fen
clon--Salcntum rising from misery and oppression, TO
prosperity and happiness, under the councils and d.
rcction of the concealed goddess.
What objections can be urged against this course ?
Can any one, acquainted with the circumstances of
the country, doubt lis success, in restoring and main
tanning tranquility? The people would certainly not
revolt arGinst themselves; and none of the chiefs who
are supposed 10 be lactiously inclined, would think of
opposing 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 the governments. Is it not right, however, that
the experiment should be fairly tried ! l have already
said that thishas 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 charac-
ter suitable for n republican government. y more or
rly, deforbcaring, and wcl-dispoaed people nc no
whore g bcnct with. Indeed, Umay safly be assorted,
that their faults and vices are Attributable 10 the cursed
government to which they %havcbcen solong subjected,
and TO the intolCrant 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, md under the
strong motives which exist, 10 obtain II, supported by
the influence Of your IXccllcncy, it would soon be OBJ
tanned.
To 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 to a height which would leave but
n single competition in the estimation of posterlty. III
%bcstowing the palm of merit, the world has become
wiser than formerly. The successful warrior is ne
longer regarded as entitled to the first place in the TEN.
pie of fame. Talents of this kind have become toe
common, and too often used for mischievous purposes
to be regarded as they once were. In this enlightened
age, the mere hero of the field, and the successful
| 1.,lpr nf , r,,,ng ,,,,, rr ia, nm, nttynTf pttnr
ton. But it will be such as is bestowed upon the pas
sing meteor, whose blaze is no longer remembered
when it is no longer seen. To be esteemed eminent
great, it IS necessarily be cmincntly good. The qua
lltcs of the hero and the general must be devoted t.
the advantage of mankind, before he will be permitted
to assume the title of their benefactor; and the station
which he will hold in their regard and affections vii
depend, not upon the number and the splendour OF hi
victories, but upon the results and the use he ma!
make Of the influence he acquires from them.
If the fame of our Washington depended upon hi
military achievements would the common consent o
the world allow him the prc-cmncncc he possesses,
The victoricsat Trenton, Monmouth, and York, bril-
liant as they were, exhibiting, as they certainly dli
the highest grade of military talents, are scarcel.
thought of. The source of the vencrauon and esteem
which is entertained for his character, by every DIES
cription of politicians-thc monarchist and aristocra,
as well as the republican, is to be found in his undcviat
ing and exclusive dcvotcdncss to the interest of hi
country. No selfish consideration was ever sulficrc
| to intrudc itself into his mind. For his country II
conquered ond the mrivallCd and increasing prospc
rity Of that country is constantly adding fresh glOr
to his name. General, the course which he pursue
IS open. to you, and it depends upon, yourself to attal
the eminence which he has reached before you.
To the eyes of military men, the laurels you wo
on the fields Of Vargas, Bayaca, and Carehobo, wi
be forever green but will that content you? Are 70
willing that your name should descend to posierlt,
amongst the mass of those whose fame has been derry
= ed from shedding human blood, without a single az
> vantage TO the human race? Or, shall it be united
, that Of Washington, as the founder and the father of
: great and happy people ! The choice is before yo'
The friends of liberty throughout the world, and tt
people of the United States in particular, are wnltn
your decision With intense anxiety. Alexander toiho
and conquered to attain the applause of the Athenlan
will you regard as nothing the opinions of a natlo
. which has cvinccd It's superiority over that celebrate
: people, in the science most useful to man, by havir
> carried into actual practice q system of government
of which the wisest .Athenians had but "A glimpse
ID theory, and considered as a blessing never TO be rea
!, lied, however ardcntly to be desired p! The place whiC
you arc to occupy in their esteem depends upon you
self. Farewell. w. II. HARRISON.