A NEW CONSTITUTION PROCLAIMED. 85 
A few regiments had been sent over to the 
island of Quiquirino, perhaps in order to render 
desertion more difficult: here they had formed 
a camp, and were exercised in various manceu- 
vres. The whole force, consisting of three 
thousand men, was destined, under the com- 
mand of the President, to attack the island of 
Chiloe, the only spot still remaining in posses- 
sion of the Spaniards. They were now waiting 
the arrival of the requisite vessels from Valpa- 
raiso. 
On the 20th of January, amidst the thunder of 
the artillery, a new Constitution was proclaimed 
at Conception, signed there in great form by 
Freire, and afterwards read in many other towns 
of the Republic. Some of the inhabitants re- 
ceived it with enthusiasm, but it by no means 
gave satisfaction to all. In Talcaguana, opinions 
were much divided, and loudly and undis- 
guisedly expressed. In every company the new 
Constitution became the chief subject of conver- 
sation, and often gave occasion to violent dis- 
putes. Even the ladies were not exempt from 
this political mania: they gave their opinions 
with unhesitating confidence and decision, and, 
