"
The circular issued by Bolivar from Guayaquil on the 31st of August had
been received by Paez, who circulated it in Venezuela, and organized
demonstrations asking for the separation of Venezuela from Colombia. As the
union of Colombia had been Bolivar's greatest conception, he was attacked,
and in Valencia his ostracism was demanded. Paez was asked to prevent his
entering Venezuelan territory. Wherever Paez exercised any influence,
Bolivar's authority was denounced, and Paez was asked to assume the highest
authority of the country. Bolivar was insulted by the press of his own
nation, which called him a tyrant and a hypocrite, and insisted on his
banishment. At last Paez declared himself openly. He went to Caracas,
approved the rebellion of the capital against Bolivar, broke with him,
declared Venezuela a sovereign state, appointed a cabinet and convoked a
congress to meet in Valencia. He asked the people for subsidies for the
war against Bolivar, and at the same time wrote a letter to the Libertador
warning him not to oppose the will of the Venezuelans, who were ready, he
said, to deliver themselves to the Spaniards rather than to Bolivar.
The Congress of Colombia had asked Bolivar to remain in command, to
suppress anarchy, and to fulfil his promise that he would exercise power
until the constitution had been proclaimed and magistrates duly elected.
Bolivar accepted provisionally, and immediately tried to obtain a friendly
compromise with Venezuela.
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