The Washington herald., 1908-05-11
Clay, Champion of Freedom.

Edifor Inc washington Herald
In my letters recently appearing in The
Washington Herald it was shown that
Clay. and not Cam ng, looked at Spain
and the Indies and called a new world
into existence Il would seem enough.
but it is well 10 add that early in 1915
the legislature Of Kentucky adopted a
resolution. emanating from the inauencc
of clay, no doubt expressing their sense
Of the propriety and expedieacy OF the
national government acknowledeiHg the
Independence Of the South American re-
pubIics.
1t IS my purpose TO show by this paper
that the South Americans fully knew Of
Clay's untiring efforts in their behalf.
One historian says: IT is not unknown
In South America what the champion OF
their rights was doing for them in Amer
lea. His speeches IN Congress We're trans
lated into Spanish and read at the head
of the armies of the southern republics
while fighting for freedom. Doubtless, to
this influence there may I'm some measure
be ascribed their success. It may even
be that success hinged upon it,"
The Spanish-American revolution began
in Colombia, in which alone is not its
greatest Importance, but that here the
struggle was most severe and protracted
Spain made her greatest exertions. ana
Colombia's success, in no small degree
was the means TO the ultimate triumph
of independence throughout South Amer
ica.
The year 1871 is an epoch year in the an
nails OF Colombia. Her arms We're every
where successful, Spain's power destroy
ed, the republic consolidated. the consti-
tuition adopted, her political principles es-
tablisned, won In an hundred battles ~
twelve years barbarOOs war-indenpnd-
ence actually existing before Monroe
moved in 1872. 20 recognize her, though. as
heretofore shown. Clay had urged il long
before, and wrought for IL from 1870 hav-
ing, no doubt met Orea, by Caracas
junta sent the same year to Washing
ton 10 Soiicit the friendship OF the only
republic in the world
In her epoch year Of 1921 the Congress
Of Colombia adopted a resolution in honor
OF patriot Clay, of America, for the deem
interest he had taken in the independence
Of Colombia. Here is material recogni-
ton
The following correspondence between
Bolivar and Clay throws light on South
American knowledge of Claws great
work IN their behalf Bolivar wrote from
Bogota, IN 1927, and, having expressed
his admiration OF his (Clav's) brilliant
talents and ardent love of liberty" saws
All America. Colombia. and
myself owe your eXcellency our purest /
gratitude for the incompatible services !
you have rendered TO us, by sustaining
our course with q sublime enthusiasm. /
Accept, therefore, this sincere and cordial |
testimony, which l hasten to offer your
eXceilency, and to the government Of the |
United States, who have so greatly con- |
tri6uted to the emancipation OF your
Southern brethren"
Thus. in part, wrote Bolivar accredited |
usurper, to Clay. Republican And Ciay
In lengthy reply, eleven months later. |
frankly rebuked Bolivar in his ambitious |
designs. Clay, in part, wrote Bolivar:
4 am persuaded that l do not misin- /
teTpTet the feelings of the people Of the /
United States, as 1 certainly express my
own, I'm saying that the interest which
was inspired in this country by the ar /
duous struggles of South America. arose
nun iliC utpt lhEt. along /
with its Independence. would be estab-
lished free institutions. insuring all the
blessings OF civil liberty. To the aa-
Of that object we still |
anxiously look. He then points out the
danger OF standing armies as Instruments /
''devouring the substance, debauchlng the
morals. and too often destroying the lib
critics Of the people" He expresses hope
that he CBOlivar) will add Colombia TO
the cause of human liberty. Snd adds:
But 1 would be unworthy of the consid-
Grafton with which your excellency hon
Ors me, and deviate from the frankness
which | have ever endeayored TO practice.
II I did not, on this occasion, state that
ambitious designs have been attributed
by your enemies to your excelieney, which
have created in my mind great solicitude.
DE then cites the events in proof Of
such designs. He draws a picture Of the
bright and glorious way Of freedom, in