London has recently been the theatre of an audacious fabrication, in reference to the war in Peru. Men, in whose estimation tranquillity is a real misfortune, and whose cupidity ill accords with the regular and foreseen course of affairs, have had the effrontery to create events, and to circulate, as facts, reports of their own invention, for which they might have been sentenced to the pillory. But this was of little consequence, to these artful swindlers, after having played off their tricks at the London Exchange, they could have retired, during the disorder occasioned by a first surprise, loaded with booty, and laughing at the success of their stratagem, in imitation of those honest men who cry out fire! for the purpose of plundering the terrified multitude. Fortunately, the tale reported in London, respecting the pretended defeat of Bolivar, produced but a slight depression in the American funds. Yet, this stock-jobbing trick, however contemptible, proves to what extent a few defrauders may impose upon the simplicity of persons, who, they imagine, have no very extensive information respecting what is taking place on the distant theatre of war. Reasoning upon this principle, what was their calculation?" Peru," they would say," is distant; the intervening seas permit neither the names of the generals, nor the positions of the armies to be known to the greater

number of speculators, who are easily frightened; and it is not impossible that superior strength and skill may experience a reverse. Now let us assert that

the army of Bolivar and the independence of America have been annihilated. Facts and geography may, it is true, contradict this assertion. In four days it

may be ascertained that the wreck of the Spanish army has yielded to the valour of the heroes of Colombia, and that the lingering existence of the Spanish power in Peru, its last refuge, has terminated by a sudden and unexpected blow: but it signifies little to us that the public be undeceived to-morrow, provided we reap today the benefit of the false alarm we have given."

We shall not waste our time in refuting the absurdity of this pretended defeat, invented by the most ungovernable cupidity. Truth and public opinion have detected and punished it. In fact, the English government removed all doubt, when it declared, through the medium of Mr. Canning, that, "previously to the success of that army (the Colombian army in Peru), of which the ministers had now full information, to have acknowledged the complete independence of Colombia would have been contrary to fact." We shall only add that this should teach speculators not to place implicit confidence in news concerning America.

By considering the moment when the report of Bolivar's defeat was circulated, is it not probable that the authors of this fabrication were not confined to the London stock-jobbers, and that this Panama is nothing else than the Fauxbourg St. Germain, where independence is not much relished? The Courier himself exclaimed with an admirable simplicity,

"What a pity Mr. Canning chose this moment for treating with the American states!" But it will perhaps be said, that the discovery of the truth would soon disturb this short-lived joy. We admit it; and yet, what is there, however absurd and contemptible, that may not be attributed to a piqued ministry, living only upon deception.

Had, however, the defeat of Bolivar been as real as his triumph is certain, would this event have been any other than one of those viscissitudes which are inseparable from a state of war? or would the cause of American liberty have fallen with the hero who defends it? Such an assertion must, indeed, imply an extraordinary degree of ignorance; for never was a war less dependent on the result of a battle. It is not with America as with Europe, where the hired soldier fights to earn the morsel of bread bestowed upon him by the hand of tyranny, and to promote the interests of a few individuals whose oppression draws upon them the curse of nations; so that a reverse must always be fatal to a cause which has only mercenaries for its support. But in America, the war of independence is founded in the interests, in the wants, in the affections, in the heart of every individual; and under this important point of view, it possesses the immense advantage of being able to survive repeated defeats, and of annihilating its enemies by a single victory. Admit that Bolivar falls, and that his army is beaten; America would certainly have sustained a great loss ;yet, undismayed, and immoveable at the tombs of the brave men who fought for her, she would not want new defenders. But should Canterac fall, or his soldiers be defeated, where would the Spanish tyranny in

America find new combatants to join its standards? The conclusions from this reasoning are so evident, that we will now advert to the military movements which have taken place since the publication of our preceding Number.

The theatre of war which, some months ago, extended beyond Peru, is now entirely circumscribed within the limits of this country. The surrender of Pernambuco to the imperial army, the dispersion of the remains of the army deserted by Carvalho, and the last expedition of Lord Cochrane, whose appearance at Bahia was alone sufficient to extirpate the last germ of discord, and to bring back to Rio de Janeiro the chiefs of the sedition, with their arms, and the various ammunition in their possession; these circumstances have removed every symptom of civil war, and restored Brasil to the enjoyment of internal repose, which, in fact, has never been very seriously threatened, since the establishment of the new order of things. The government, however, of his Imperial Majesty neglects no means calculated to maintain its tranquillity at home, and to secure its independence abroad. The organization of the army is continued with activity, and we are assured that, in its present state, it may rival in discipline and stability the best troops in Europe. The government has just authorized the minister of war to complete the purchase of twelve thousand muskets, giving, however, the preference to the English manufactures, principally those of Messrs. Samuel and Phillips,, and of William Young. The minister of war has also provided barracks for three thousand German emigrants, who arrived at Rio de Janeiro, on board the Anna Louisa, from Ham

burgh; and orders have been given, on this occasion, to Mr. Miranda, inspector of the foreign settlers, to refer to the recruiting office such foreigners as he may judge capable of military service. All these measures bespeak, on the part of the government, a firm determination to accept laws from no power whatever, and to secure to its regeneration an efficient defence. Under this double point of view, every friend of ́independence and rational liberty will measures of vigour and precaution.

applaud these But, has the

army a greater claim to the attention of the Brasilian government than its naval force? Certainly not; we think, on the contrary, that Brasil, by its geographical division, is naturally led to seek, in the increase of its maritime power, one of the first guarantees of its internal and external security. And in looking at the map of Brasil, it will be seen, that, whilst the squadrons of this empire constitute almost its whole force of offensive and defensive war, they are also its most efficient spring of central power, and the safest means of cementing the principle of unity which now collects the different provinces of the empire around the constitutional throne.

Hence, sound policy, founded on local interests, particularly prescribes to Brasil to direct its attention to the increase of its navy, and to exert for it more, and even greater efforts than for its land forces. And, in that respect, the success which will crown the exertions of the government is as evident as the necessity which enjoins them; for the organization of the naval force of the states being, by its nature, much more compatible with the admission of foreigners than the army, which is always in immediate contact with the