FREEDOM
In 1824 Peru finally won its independence from Spain under the leadership of General Simon Bolivar. General Bolivar called a convention for the Purpose of drafting the constitution for the new country. After the convention the general was approached by a delegation suggesting that he be their first president. Bolivar declined saying that he felt someone else deserved the honor more than he did. The people still wanted to do something special for Bolivar to show their appreciation for all that he had done for them so they offered him a gift of 1,000,000 pesos, a very large fortune in those days. Bolivar accepted the gift and then asked how many slaves there were in Peru. He was told there were about 3,000. And how much does a slave sell for, he wanted to know? About 350 pesos for an able-bodied man, was the answer. Then, said Bolivar, I will add whatever is necessary to this million pesos you have given me and…
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