The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-11
General Flores.

II is probable that the next mail from Quay
aquil will bring authentic intelligence respect
ing the fate Of the expedition of General
Meanwhile, as the character and career of that
extraordinary parsonage are not generally
known, it has occurred to US that the sketch of
them, contained in the following extract from
letter from that country, dated early in 1850,
to gentleman in this city, may not prove un
interesting to our readers:
at is by some suspected that the disafTected are
looking about for leader who shall summon to-
gether their subducd forces and make them effec-
tual in a more determined and better organized
outbreak They may have cast their eyes upon
General Flores, now poor, pining, and discomfort.
ed, in exile Indeed, Peruvian journal, in COM
menting upon the recent movement in Guayaquil,
speaks of it as made by the partisans of General
Flores. This is not strictly the case; yet the
friends of the banished ex President may be in
secret contriving another demonstration hostile to
Che present government. About two years ago the
adhercnts Of General Flores attempted a revolu-
ton in his favor, but il failed for want of concert in
action aud many Of the leaders Of the movement
were banisbed by the late President Roca, who
acted such occasions with considerable GOODNESS,
decision, and intrepdity. This affinity Of disaf.
fected persons, should it take place, would be the
lcss surprising from another consideration. There
has occurred ut Costa Rica, where General Flores
has been recently residing, revolution, in which
the party friendly to him has been defeated. He
has, consequently, retired from that place; infor-
nation has been received that he has been chosen
commander in chief Of the forces If Guatemala,
for the purpose Of resisting the Indians Of that
n
Carrera, have made formidable instruction.
''since more prominence ia now given 10 this
individual, who. with the exception OF Mr.. Roca-
fuentc, is the only man connected with the
government Of the Ecuador deserving particular
notice, and his present position may lead to bis
reassurnption of authority in this republic. have
thought it worth while briefly to sketch his career,
as fac AZ have been able TO learn il from sources
worthy of credits Juan Jos6 Flores was Of humble
Indian origin. When very young he was a ser
want in the employment Of Spanish officer, who
was cnga ged at the time ia the protracted resist
ance against the struggles Of Spanish America for
independence. His master was taken prisoner in
an action, and young Florcs, after some time, was
found private soldier in the ranks Of the army Of
the patriots. His courage, ambition, and perse-
verancc were marked by his successive stages Of
advancement. until he received from Bolivar n
generals commission. lie was then appointed In L.
tendant Of the province Of Quito; but he was Of
restless, unquiet spirit. and began W bctray
uncasiness in this subordinate spheres and at eu 9Th
he boldly aspired TO independent authority though
at the rick Of breaking up the Republic Of Colun.
bia. His ardent ambition was impeded by no
difficulties. and any sacrifice which Il required
he was not only willing but eager TO make His
measures were generally chosen with an astonish-
4 .of, ,ro MI
profound knowledge OF men and Of motives.
His persuasion almost irresistible, and the
fascination OF his presence and manners was great
He brought over the army to.his designs, and thus
strengthened and embodened, declared the indie.
pendence Of the province Of Quito. In this cmergcn
cy Gen. Suarc was despatched by Bolivar TO super.
sede him in his government, but the way tbither
he was assassinated, and some hesitate not 10 as
cribe the deed to Flores himself. Bolivar was
about to send force to Quito to reduce il 10 quiet
and subordhaton but before the necessary ar
rangements we're completed he died, and Flores,
being thus untmbarrassed by the only man whom
he had occasion really 10 fear, found himself com
paratvely secure, whatever might be his plans.
HE great purpose Of the division Of the republic he
now fully accomplished, in conjunction with Gen.
crai PACE, Of Venezuela and he elected the fret
President Of the republic Of the Ecuador. whilst
his cosdjutor likewise became the President
Of Venezuela. The division Of Colombia took
place in 1880, when General Flores was
elected President for four years; at the expira-
ton OF that period he was elected for two
years more. shortly before the end OF which com
motion took place, and he resigned the chief ao
ibority into the hands Of Rocafuente, who was
elected 10 succeed him for four years This man
earnestly desired the welfare Of his country, and
governed il with enlightened prudence and cner
gy. lie had spent come years in Europe and in
the United States, and had improved the op.
portunitics afforded by acquaintance with dstin
guisbed men and by the study Of history aud gen.
eral politics. He returned TO the Ecuador prc-em-
inently qualified 70 govern and to advance all its
interests. lie set about great reforms necessary to
secure to the country ts due position among civil
lied States. His thoughts we're always occupied
about the progress Of the nation; his hand was
ever ready to accomplish what bis mind decided TO
be requisite. He failed 70 receive that sincere and