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THE RE VOL UTIONAR V PERIOD 1 95 only after summary measures on his own part and threats of revolt on the part of his crews, that he was enabled to procure funds with which to meet the arrears. Another event of importance about this time was the assembling of congress in July, 1822. O'Higgins had been led to call this because of the machinations of the aristocracy and the obstructions of the senate which he had appointed. The supreme-director earnestly de- sired that the country, having achieved its indepen- dence, should have a more free and representative form of government. This the aristocracy opposed, and the ministry sympathized with them. O'Higgins urged the necessity of a legislative body, but met with oppo- sition, first on one pretext and then another. It was the beginning of the struggle between liberals and conservatives, and the director keenly felt the grow- ing difficulties of his position. To supply as far as possible the want of a congress, O'Higgins named five influential citizens to form a senate. He hoped that this body would second his views, but instead it soon began to oppose him at every turn, and sought to establish itself a perpetual power. To rid himself of the oligarchy the director appointed its members to foreign missions and other offices, and then summarily summoned a national con- gress. The congress when assembled, employed the time at first in foolish, unimportant discussions. At length a new tariff schedule and constitution were submitted by the minister, Don Jos6 Antonio Rodriguez Aldea, and they occupied the legislative attention until October. The constitution gave to the supreme-director the powers of a dictator and caused much comment and considerable discontent. As the intention of the