370 JOURNAL. 
“ nefit of ending strife ; if he makes use of his credit and his influence 
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to restore the republic immediately to its former unity under asu- 
preme and energetic government; if, with his forces, he does not 
remain an indifferent spectator of the public misfortunes, or allow 
the provinces to plunge into endless disputes about theoretical 
rights ; if in the best way in which circumstances will permit, and 
with all possible provisions for the security of liberty in the mean- 
time, he concurs in establishing a provisional government until the 
meeting of the General Congress which shall in full liberty dictate 
the permanent constitution of the state; — he will have pursued a 
policy as sublime as beneficent, and will be in every sense the de- 
liverer of his country. 
“ Such is the general picture of our public affairs : and your labours 
will be as arduous as important. A thousand improvements, a 
thousand useful provisions, would have been dictated by the junta, 
if its vacillating authority, the political situation of the state, and 
its attention, directed exclusively to the union of the nation, had 
not opposed insuperable obstacles. Perhaps we have been mis- 
taken ; perhaps error may have presided over many of our deliber- 
ations, — it is inseparable from human nature: but pardon, Fathers 
of the country! pardon faults which certainly have been committed 
without tainting the general disinterestedness and patriotism on 
which we pride ourselves. God grant that our authority may be 
short, in order that you may accomplish as speedily as possible the 
establishment of a supreme government. Reason, experience, and 
public opinion, all agree that the executive power ought to be 
trusted to one alone. Relieve us from a burthen which oppresses 
us ; and let this be the reward ofan administration, whose labours, 
difficulties, and grievances, have exceeded both our time and our 
strength. 
« AUGUSTIN DE Eyzacuirre. 
“ Jose Micuer Inranve. 
* Fernanpo Ezrazuris. 
« Martano dE Keana.” 
