Spain, he knew, was trying to obtain the
help of the other nations of Europe to regain possession of her American
colonies. He felt it expedient, therefore, once more to manifest to the
world the attitude of Venezuela regarding her new relations with the mother
country. He published a decree on November 20, 1818, reaffirming the
principles of independence proclaimed on July 5, 1811. This decree was
published and translated into three languages, to be distributed all over
the world. After stating the reasons for its publication, he emphatically
declared that Venezuela was free and did not contemplate further dealings
with Spain, nor was she willing ever to deal with Spain except as her
equal, in peace and in war, as is done reciprocally by all countries. He
concluded with the following words, which represent clearly his character
and that of his followers:
"The Republic of Venezuela declares that from April 19, 1810, she has
been fighting for her rights; that she has shed most of her sons'
blood, that she has sacrificed her youth, all her pleasures, and all
that is dear and sacred to men, in order to regain her sovereign rights
and in order to keep them in their integrity, as Divine Providence
granted them to her; the Venezuelan people have decided to bury
themselves in the ruins of their country if Spain, Europe and the world
insist on subjecting them to the Spanish yoke."
Immediately afterwards, Bolivar had to go to the West, where Paez had been
proclaimed supreme director of the republic by some dissenters.
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