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Rh President Balmaceda delivered an address, defending his action in taking into his hands the reins of government, and giving a hopeful outlook for the future. Congress immediately passed a bill legalizing the president's acts, and then began the discussion of a reformation of the constitution, a discussion which was kept up until Montt and Canto had sent the members flying.

On the 25th of June, electors from the provinces were chosen favorable to the candidacy of Don Claudio Vicuña, Balmaceda's choice for his successor, and on July 25th he was duly elected, but not fully installed before Balmaceda's downfall. Señor Vicuña was a wealthy gentleman of an old and distinguished family, as old in fact as the conquest, and does not appear to have been in any respect an objectionable man, notwithstanding the fact that he has been charged with cruelties almost equalling Balmaceda's.

The close of the struggle drew on. The province of Aconcagua raised two regiments for the oppositionists, and clamored for rifles. To supply them, the northern army having determined to go south before the government vessels could be got away from foreign ports and before Balmaceda could farther strengthen himself and install his successor, Vicuña, in office, landed at