Senate Resolution No. 2937

BY: Senator PERALTA

COMMEMORATING the 207th Anniversary of Chile's
first national government on September 18, 2017

WHEREAS, 10,000 years ago, southward migrating Indians settled in
the fertile valleys and along the Coast of Chile; Chile was shortly
ruled, in part, by the Incan empire, but proved too barren for extensive
settlement; and

WHEREAS, Spanish conquest began in the 1500s when Diego de Almagro
and later Pedro de Valdivia encountered hundreds of thousands of
Indians; and

WHEREAS, Santiago, the long-standing seat of Chilean government was
founded in February of 1541; and

WHEREAS, Although the Spanish did not find the extensive gold and
silver they sought, they recognized the agricultural potential of
Chile's central valley, and Chile became part of the Viceroyalty of
Peru; and

WHEREAS, Due to the weakening of Spain during the Napoleonic wars,
Chile, like most Spanish colonies, began their own quest for
sovereignty; and

WHEREAS, A national junta in the name of Ferdinand formed on
September 18, 1810, proclaiming Chile an autonomous republic within the
Spanish monarchy, though a movement for full independence was supported
by most of Chile; and

WHEREAS, Spanish attempts to regain control during what was called
the "Reconquista" led to a prolonged struggle; intermittent warfare
continued until 1817, when an army led by Bernardo O'Higgins, Chile's
most renowned patriot, and Jose de San Martin, hero of Argentine
independence, crossed the Andes into Chile and defeated the royalists;
and

WHEREAS, On February 12, 1818, Chile, an independent republic, was
proclaimed and led by Bernardo O'Higgins, though Chile continues to
honor September 18, 1810, the day of separation from Spanish rule, as
their national holiday; and

WHEREAS, Many Chileans have made New York their home, and this
Legislative Body is justly proud to thank the Chilean people for their
contributions to this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 207th Anniversary of Chile's first national government
on September 18, 2017.