POLITICAL HISTORY OF CHILI. 231 
Valparaiso, and condemned to be executed. Twelve were shot, the 
rest were banished. This was the first execution of such a sentence 
for political offences that had ever occurred in Chili. Some pretended 
to bode ill from it, but its effects so far have been salutary; and 
these desperate characters will not be inclined to run headlong into 
revolutionary movements after seeing the fruits of it. 
The expedition, composed of three thousand men, finally sailed, 
and disembarking at Islay, proceeded to Arequipa, the second city of 
Peru, of which they took possession. Santa Cruz's troops retired to 
the interior. Lafuente was here proclaimed Supreme Chief, according 
to prescribed forms in such cases provided, and set about organizing 
his government, filling offices without a real of revenue, or any source 
from which he could raise any. No disaffected Peruvians joined 
them, and their situation became very critical, as Santa Cruz was 
concentrating his forces, and threatened to cut off their communi- 
cation with their ships. Thus hemmed in, they would have been 
obliged to surrender at discretion. These advantages were possessed 
by Santa Cruz, and the Chilians saw no way of escape. Why Santa 
Cruz should have lost this opportunity to strike a decided blow, is 
inconceivable. He did, however, lose it, and proposed to treat. 
Communications passed for some days. Santa Cruz's army aug- 
menting daily, was now double that of the Chilian general, who 
seemed to have no alternative but submission. Still he put a brave 
countenance on the affair, and signed at Paucarpata a treaty with 
Santa Cruz, having previously held a council of war, which was at- 
tended by the minister plenipotentiary which the Chilian government 
had sent with the expedition. There was no voice raised against the 
treaty. It was honourable to the Chilians, and saved their whole 
army. Festivities followed, after which the Chilian army embarked 
and returned home. Neither the government nor the people were 
satisfied. Blanco was received coldly, and landed secretly. The 
President refused to ratify the treaty. It was considered dis- 
graceful, as the object of the war was not gained, and singularly 
enough, the war now became popular with all parties. The army 
landed in perfect order. Blanco was deprived of his command, and 
a court-martial ordered. The troops were again sent to Quillota, 
and the greatest enthusiasm seemed to prevail. A new and more 
formidable expedition was determined on, and General Bulnes, the 
President's nephew, who commanded the troops on the frontiers, and 
w r as known as a bold dashing officer, was appointed to the command. 
