126 CIVIL DISSENSIONS. [1S39. 



selves from the presence of the dictator and his armed legions. 

 The constitution established by Bolivar was now abrogated, 

 and that of 1823 restored ; and General La Mar, — a man 

 not more pure and honest in private life, than just and blame- 

 less in bis public career, — was then elevated to the presidency 

 by the Peruvian Congress. La Mar remained at the head 

 of affairs till June, 1829, when he was deposed by General 

 La Fuente, in consequence, as was alleged, of the imbecility 

 displayed by the former at the battle of Tarqui,in the month 

 of February previous, at which the Peruvians had been de- 

 feated by the Colombians under General Sucre. But, in 

 fact, La Mar was too pure-minded to hold the reins of gov 

 vernment, in a country where military sucoess was the only 

 passport to public favor, and among a people so easily duped 

 by the demagogues who readily pandered to their vices and 

 ministered to their corrupt tastes and depraved appetites. 

 The deposition was, really, the result of a conspiracy be- 

 tween General Gamarra, through whose treachery or coward- 

 ice the battle of Tarqui was lost, General La Fuente, and 

 General Santa Cruz, then the President of Bolivia. The 

 conspirators were completely successful in obtaining the con- 

 trol of the government. In August, 1829, Gamarra was 

 elected President, and La Fuente Vice President, of Peru. 



Gamarra remained in office, though much dissatisfaction 

 was evinced in regard to the mode in which he administered 

 the government, till 1833, when he resigned, shortly before 

 the expiration of his constitutional term of service. It was 

 evidently his intention to establish a strong central govern- 

 ment and place himself at its head; but his friend and minion, 

 Bermtidez, whom he supported for the presidency as his suc- 

 cessor, being himself ineligible for a second consecutive term, 

 was defeated by General Orbejoso. The latter, owing to the 

 distracted state of the country, called in the assistance of 

 Santa Cruz, who was made Supreme Protector of Peru. Ho 

 divided the country into two separate republics, North and 

 South Peru, but they were ultimately reunited. The war 

 with Chili ensued ; Gamarra was again restored to power 



