He demanded a
firm, powerful and just government to indemnify her for the loss of 500,000
men killed in the field of battle.
"Give us a government under which law is obeyed, the magistrate is
respected, and the people are free; a government which can prevent the
transgression of the general will and of the people's commands ... In
the name of Colombia, I pray you to give us for the people, for the
army, for the judge and for the magistrate an inexorable government."
Bolivar knew that in his appeals for a strong government his enemies would
see, or pretend to see, personal ambitions, and Santander, of course,
immediately exploited this feeling against him. But Bolivar, who had proved
his disinterestedness when he might have had anything he desired, made no
effort, at this time, when he was trying to rescue his country from grave
danger, to show that he was not ambitious.
A large number of petitions were received by the general assembly,
requesting that Bolivar continue in control of the government "as the only
man who, because of his talents, his exceptional services and his powerful
influence, can keep Colombia united and tranquil." But the convention
was agitated by opposing feelings and influences. The federal system was
proposed, but it was not accepted, although the proposal was greeted with
joy by the enemies of the Liberator.
Bolivar, at about this time, wrote to a friend:
"If the constitution to be adopted in Ocana is not suitable to the
situation in which I see Colombia, I shall abandon at once a government
of which I am tired at heart.
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