Constitutional Whig

COLOMBIA.

The following interesting letter respecting the political condition of the Colombian Republic, is copied from the New York Enquirer:—

LAGUIRA, 14th Feb. 1827.

Since the arrival of Bolivar in this department, the political face of things have greatly changed. Civil commotion has ceased, and private feelings appear to have been surrendered for the public good.

However, I cannot believe the professions of some of the actors in the recent internal commotions can in every respect be relied upon. The materials are too discordant to be so easily and so readily united—all the leading men have been and are now in Caracas—and not one of the promoters of the recent dissatisfactions but have been noticed by promotion or otherwise by the Liberator.

The financial department of this country is in a deplorable state, arising not so much from a want of channels to raise funds, but more from the demoralising character of those who superintend them. Bolivar and the cabinet are engaged, and have been for some time on that subject. There are too many parasites around the Liberator, natives and foreigners; men whose views are bounded by interest, and who are disposed to take every advantage from the distressed state of things to make money, and who do not care a pin for the country or its government.

The present times will of all others test the talents of Colombia. The fiscal department of Government is at all times the most difficult; but in this approximating near its first elements, internal peace threatened, external war not subdued, credit abroad much shaken, the country, not all, scarcely able to bear taxation, its customs corruptly managed; requires such a force of genius, capacity and labor to resuscitate it, that I fear united are not to be found in Colombia. Much is to be hoped from Mendoza in union with Bolivar.

The reception of Bolivar here on the 30th January last was splendid. On the next day a dinner was given him, but unfortunately but little order was observed. Bolivar occupied the head, with Paez on his left, and Carabono on his right, (all from accident I think,) Sylva on Paez's left, and the agents of foreign governments pretty much as they could find seats—the Consul of the United States on the left of Carabono—Gen. Bermudez did not attend. No set or regular toasts were drunk. Capt. (—), of a British brig of war drank success to an attempt upon Puerto Rico and Cuba by the Colombians. I could not swallow all of it. Bolivar paid a handsome compliment to the British nation—none to the United States. He sat but a few minutes after the cloth was removed. He is a very temperate man, confining himself principally to fruits, and drinks but little wine or spirits. His countenance is indicative of laborious mental application: his frame is very delicate, and his voice quite effeminate, and his health does not appear good.

On the next day evening, a ball was given him, attended by the ladies of the place, and some few from Caracas; the company was numerous, and presented a singular appearance to a stranger. Waltzes and contra dances are all that are in fashion here. The Liberator on this occasion, as on all others, was plainly dressed, and does not dance. General Paez was dressed in a round white cloth or cassimere jacket, embroidered all over; he danced very often, and with some grace. Most of the attending officers, with the exception of Bermudez's, joined in the festivities of the evening. He is, no doubt, the first military man of this department, and perhaps not excelled by any in Colombia, the avowed enemy of General Paez, who (Paez) it is said, during the recent commotions, attempted several times to have him (Bermudez) assassinated.

It is Bolivar alone that brings them together. His death would be the watch-word for pillage and assassination throughout Venezuela. You cannot be aware from all the statements that could be given you of the importance of the Liberator's life, without you were here and could see the chaos of materials out of which this (apparent) government has been formed.

I wish them with all my heart success, and that, like the United States, they may exhibit to the world a clear demonstration, that man is capable of self government.

A report has been in circulation for some days of an expedition against Puerto Rico. I vouch for the truth of it—something is unquestionably in agitation between 7 and 800 troops marched from Caracas, last evening for this place: they were landed a few days since from on board of the frigate Congress, from Puerto Cabello.

General Paez has gone to the Apure, it is said, to raise troops. It is reported 2000 Peruvian troops marched into Venezuela, from the interior, a few days since.

If such an expedition is contemplated, the Liberator has the best of motives for the future peace and quietness