France admires in him not only that intrepidity and
celerity in enterprise, that vision and that constancy which are the
qualifications of a great general, but pays homage to his virtue
to his political talent, which are guaranty of independence and
order--the essentials of the freedom of the country, which has placed
her destiny in his hands."
Europe was unanimous in her admiration for Bolivar. In England they also
had the highest opinion of the American hero.
"It is impossible," wrote the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Dudley, in
March, 1828, to Campbell, British Charge d'Affaires in Colombia, "to
have observed the events which have occurred in Colombia and its
neighboring provinces since their separation from the mother country,
without being convinced that the merits and services of General Bolivar
entitle him to the gratitude of his fellow-citizens, and to the esteem
of foreign nations."
But this general feeling also gave foundation to slanderous affirmations
that Bolivar wanted to make himself king. We have seen how untrue this
was. Bolivar had no other ambition than the freedom and the union of his
country,--Colombia, the child of his genius. For himself, he wanted only to
keep his honor untarnished and to pass his last days as a simple citizen.
During his stay in the South, the Council of Ministers started to work
for a monarchy. A letter was sent to him, not speaking openly of the
monarchical question, but dwelling on the restless condition of the
population and the need of preparing for the future.
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