Alexandria Gazette & Advertiser

From the Brit. Fed Gazette, Jan. 14.

PERU—SAN MARTIN.

There is a consolation in turning from the despotism of the old world, which necessarily occupied our attention yesterday, to contemplate the brighter prospects of the new, and to record those events which promise so much happiness, and at no very distant period, to the vast American Continent. Of all the chiefs of South America, the soundness of General San Martin's political principles was perhaps the most doubted; his conduct in Peru was at best of an equivocal complexion; there was but too much reason to apprehend that he wished to set himself up as a military monarch and absolute dictator, and that his promised resignation of authority, when the affairs of the country would seem to him to justify such a step, was only a lure the better to secure the unresisting concurrence of the people and to rivet the very power he declared himself ready at a proper season to abandon.—He has, fortunately for himself and the cause of liberty, disappointed those who indulged in such anticipations—he has acted like a good citizen—he has fulfilled his promises—he has resigned not only his dictatorial authority, but his military command—he has resigned all that belonged to his station as a public man into the sovereign hands of the people's representatives, and this simple, yet noble and heroic act, will cover over as with a balm many of the errors which it would be out of nature to suppose he had not committed in the course of a "ten years revolution and war'—We would not wish to take from him any of the merit of this great act, but it is evident that his principles have not suffered by his interviews with Bolivar.—The following, which we copy from the Morning Chronicle, is his

PROCLAMATION TO THE PERUVIANS.

"was present at the declaration of the independence of the states of Chili and Peru; I have in my possession the standard which Pizarro brought with him to enslave the empire of the Incas; I am no more a public man. This is a recompence with usury, for ten years revolution and war.

"My promises with the people with whom I have waged war, have been fulfilled: I have achieved their independence, and I have to their will the election of their governors.

"The presence of a successful warrior, however disinterested may be his intentions, is an object of fear for states that establish new constitutions; on the other hand, I am already vexed to hear say, that I wish to make myself a sovereign. However, I shall be always ready to make the last sacrifices for the liberty of the country, but as a private individual, and nothing more.

"As to my public conduct, the opinions of my compatriots, as it generally happens, will be divided; but their children will give the true criterion.

Peruvians! I leave with you the national representation already established, if you put in it an entire confidence, you will triumph; if not you will become the victims of anarchy.

Let firmness preside over your destinies, and may you enjoy forever felicity and peace.

JOSE DE SAN MARTIN.
Magdalena, near Lima, Sept. 20, 1822"