The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-08-31

would be 70 form Q very incorrect idea OF the peo-
ard we should aay hat the experiment Of the new
constitution is premature. and that other simpler,
yet rot ess necessary reforms should have preceded
IT, Moderate conservatism, in the hands Of few
enlightened men, Is most certainly preferable to
restrained democratic principles in the hands of al
ignorant multitude, and power placed in wrong
hands Ia difficult to recover again. few m6pths or
year will. however, settle the question, and show
whether this seemingly progressive step will provo
so in reality for New Granada.
The state OF the other Colombian republics is not
80 favorable. Venezuela is now plungedin civil war;
Of Flores, is still exposed to another attempt from
the same quarter She, of all the South Ameri san
republics has ma 1e the least progress towards civil
ization and stability. Her foreign debt is unqui-
dated her resources undeveloped and her export
and import trade very limited.
Peru is perhaps the most apparently prosperous
of all the South American republics. For some
time after Bolivar, San Martin, and Sucre gave her
independence, she also was the theatre of civil war,
revolution, ard dscord from which the vast revenue
she derives from her guano deposits saves her,
as 1t yields sufficient to satisfy the cupidity of all
parties; the old spirit Of intrigue still fingers with
her; and, after aiding Flores against her neghbor-
ing State OF Ecuador, and trying to pick quarrel
with New Granada, she has succeeded in coming to
an open rupture with her southern neighbor Bolivia,
in actually invading the couatry, aad in sowing the
see DIS of civil discord in that unfortunate country.
We do not pretend to judge as to whether she Is
justified in her course but think that il she has
sufficient cause for war, she should fight it out her
self, and not resort to the policy of dividing the
house against itself and involving the country in the
horrors OF civil war
Boil, ia has been always unfortunate; unsettled in
her government and torn by faction and party spirit
possessing a splendid soil and climate, and vast
sources some of them almost peculiar to herself for
which she could always find ready market, she has
neglected all these and bee ,me but the unfortunate
victim of designing ambitious and selfish rulers, she
remains and is likely to remain for some time in the
unhappy position she now occupies, unless some new
power arises or some fresh element be introduced
into her policy that may raise her to her proper
place in the scale OF nations.
Chile also suffered. but has lately advanced mare
rapidly and sounder basis than any Of her sister
republics education Is encouraged industry fOstered,
and liberal policy pursued by her rulers, that every
day strengthens and secures her more and more and
she shows Us what can be done, under just and
Enlightened form OF government.
Crossing the Andes we find the Argentine repub-
lies still the seat of civil discord and the country Of
the dictator Francea and Rosas still plunged in all
the horrors of civil war.
In this rapid review Of the Spanish American con-
tinent, there is mnch matter for serious reflection.
Comparing the distracted, unsettled, and almost
of their emancipation, with the vast progress made
by the United States during the same period, or
during equal number Of years after her indie
pensence, considering the vast advantage the former
possessed in having model on which to form their
constitutions II they were SO inclined, and that they
were called upon to try no new experiment in self
government, or frame system Of republicanlsm as
novel as it is complete, we cannot help arriving at
the conclusion that some very important element is
wanting in the character Of the people, which dearly
bought experience WILL it is to be hoped, soon teach
them, and example and more intimate relations with
the rest Of mankind induce them to adopt.
New Gran ada Items.
The foreign residents in Panama had presented to
DR.. Salvador Camacho Roldan, on his retire ment
from Office, splendid piece Of plate with an ad-
dress Amos b. COrwine. United States Consul
presented the testimonial.
The following inscription was engraved upon the
salver:-~
PRESENTED ExcEILEyCY =
DR. SALVADOR CAMACHO ROLDAN, y
by the .
= FOREIGN RESIDENTS PANAMA, =
Az testimonial Of their recitation Of his
liberal. juat, and energetic conduct, and =
s. mark Of esteem fer his private worth q
and courtesy " danieanor, whilst +
occupying tie i'm portant and o
oneI0us position of IT
n GOVERNOR THE PROVINCE OF PANAMA, =;
1853. y