It would be a monstrous incongruity if I should receive from
the hands of Peru that which I refused to receive from the hands of my
country."
Congress finally asked Bolivar to take the million dollars and devote it to
charities in his own country and other parts of the republic of Colombia.
This Bolivar agreed to do.
Bolivar decided to remain in Peru until the convening of the following
congress, which was to assemble in 1826. He immediately bent all his energy
to the work of government, in which he was, if possible, more admirable
than he was as a soldier. Among the several measures of his administrative
work was the establishment of normal schools in the departments, tribunals
of justice, several educational institutions, mining bureaus, roads, public
charities and multitudinous other services.
On April 1, 1825, Sucre defeated the last Spanish troops in a place called
Tumusla.
Upon the completion of his work, Bolivar started to visit Cuzco and Upper
Peru. In the city of Arequipa, on May 16, he issued a decree proclaiming
the republic of Alto (Upper) Peru. In Cuzco he was received in triumph. A
thousand ladies offered him a beautiful crown set with pearls and diamonds.
The Liberator received it and immediately sent it to Marshal Sucre, saying:
"He is the conqueror of Ayacucho and the true liberator of this
republic."
From Cuzco, Bolivar went to La Paz, and there he was received in like
manner. The assembly of Alto Peru sent representatives to meet him.
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