212 POLITICAL HISTORY OF CHILI. 



commanded, he was unanimously proclaimed Supreme Director of 

 Chili, in April, 1817. He continued to fill the situation until 1823, 

 when, in consequence of his allowing great abuses to exist in the 

 subordinate branches of government, and not listening to the respectful 

 remonstrances sent him from all quarters of the country, a meeting of 

 the principal inhabitants of the capital and neighbourhood took place 

 at the town hall. 



The subject was discussed freely, and his deposition was determined 

 upon. It was agreed, however, to notify him, for few men were more 

 esteemed than O'Higgins. He received the commission courteously, 

 and when satisfied that they really expressed the voice of the people, 

 he without hesitation resigned his power, and departed for Valparaiso, 

 with the intention of proceeding to Peru. A council of state was 

 named by the assembly at Santiago, composed of three distinguished 

 citizens, until the supreme power could be disposed of. 



When O'Higgins arrived in Valparaiso, he found General Ramon 

 Freyre had landed from Conception, with three hundred men, having 

 come up from the south to depose him. 



Although the latter was no longer in his way, he arrested him on 

 the plea of making him give an account of his administration. This 

 step was not popular. The Junta in Santiago directed his release, and 

 ordered Freyre to furnish him with the necessary passport. This was 

 done in the most complimentary manner; and this distinguished 

 individual, admitted by all to be the first soldier of his country, de- 

 parted for Peru, without complaint. There honours were showered 

 upon him as testimonials of his worth, and what was far better, the 

 Peruvian government gave him a hacienda. 



He still lives in Lima, respected by every one, not having engaged 

 in politics since his retirement from Chili. He has been invited back, 

 but refuses to come. He was succeeded by Ramon Freyre, considered 

 as the champion of liberal institutions, who was named Supreme 

 Director and Captain-General, 31st March, 1823. He resigned in 

 July, 1826, retiring to private life, after a popular rule. His opposition 

 to O'Higgins is justified by its being said that he was left to perish 

 from want of supplies to his troops on the frontier. Though he had 

 been constant in his representations of the fact to O'Higgins, he had 

 been neglected, and was compelled to appear himself and claim 

 attention. There is believed to be much truth in this — O'Higgins 

 having many corrupt creatures about him, who are said to have been 

 the cause of it. Freyre is much respected, though not considered a 

 man of talent. He never mixed in public life after the resignation of 

 his dictatorship, unless when called on as a mediator. 



