Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Decimonónica

Volume

18

Issue

1-2

Publisher

Decimonónica

Publication Date

2021

First Page

99

Last Page

116

Abstract

Santiago de Chile, September 18, 1845: General Diego José Benavente (1790-1867) read a speech about his involvement in the independence movement at the University of Chile. The attendants to his address included Manuel Bulnes, President of the Republic; Manuel Montt, Minister of Education; Andrés Bello, Rector of the University; and heads of the state institutions. In front of them, Benavente asserted that if independence heroes were alive, “cuánta ser[ía] su satisfacción y complacencia al ver la nación independiente [. . .] gozando profunda paz bajo la égida de sus instituciones [y marchando] hacia la realización de los altos fines que ellos se propusieron” (122-23). An independence figure himself, Benavente linked the emancipatory goals in the country to the consolidation of a republican state apparatus. With respect to the University of Chile, he stated that a specific aim of the founding fathers was “la erección de este templo para que sus hijos vinieran a iniciarse en los sublimes misterios de aquellas ciencias que forman, conservan, y enriquecen a los Estados” (123).

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