68 Bogota'. 



a congress which I myself have installed, and 

 which I myself have caused to be assembled. 

 If the faults of which I am accused had been 

 committed after the installation of the con- 

 gress, I should not have had cause to consider 

 is as extraordinary ; that which is astonish- 

 ing, is to see men, who were not perhaps born 

 when I was already suffering for my country, 

 charging me with unfitness to "be a senator, 

 after having commanded in the republic, 

 civilly and militarily, in the first stations, 

 without any one having ever thought of 

 making such objections. 



But far from feeling this bold step, I 

 give them thanks for having afforded me the 

 opportunity of speaking, in public, on some 

 points which give food to my enemies for 

 their secret murmuring. 



" This day every thing will be made clear, 

 and I shall owe to these same enemies, not 



