THE RE VOL UTIONAR Y PERIOD 1 47 steps were taken to replace Spanish officers with patri- ots. The three Carrera brothers, Jos6 Miguel, Juan and Luis, had this in charge, and executed the manoeuvre skillfully. The Spanish officers were seized in their barracks and the troops gained over. Congress passed a decree to the effect that all Spaniards* who were not satisfied with the new movement, should quit the country within six months with all their property and effects. The Carreras now sought to effect a revolution, by which means they hoped to place themselves at the head of the government. The junta of leading citizens which had been formed, one of whom was Jos6 Miguel Carrera, the eldest brother, became impatient of the restraint and control of congress, and considered the advisability of usurping the whole governing power. Don Jos6 Miguel Carrera was most active and ambi- tious, and anticipated the other members. He com- pelled congress, at the head of his troops, (but without the shedding of a drop of blood) to select a new junta, composed of himself, Portales, and La Cerda; this having been done he expelled seven of the Santiago deputies from congress and replaced them with radi- cals, and came into supreme power, September 4th, 1811. At the same time Rozas effected a revolution in Con- cepcion and established there a radical junta ; Valdivia soon after followed the example. This gave the radi- cals control of congress and of the country. Carrera was popular with the army and had effected his revo- lutionary measures by being assured of its support; he maintained his usurped office, relying upon the same power.
- By the term Spaniard, one born in Spain, Royalist, is understood; Amer-
icans of Spanish descent were called natives, patriots, Creoles.
