The people of Central America, like the rest of the Spanish dominions, were soon invited to another view in the political kaleidoscope. Fernando VII., upon his release by Napoleon a few months after the treaty of Valençay,[I-48] returned to Spain without delay, and on arriving at Valencia, issued his manifesto of May 4, 1814, setting aside the constitution, and assuming the authority of an absolute sovereign. He did this with fair promises, which he carried out when and how it suited him.[I-49] Among many decrees issued by the monarch soon after, which were of interest to Central America, was one enjoining on the archbishop and bishops to see that their subordinates did their duty faithfully, and entertained only wholesome opinions. No associations or leagues were to be tolerated which might lead to a disturbance of the public peace; in other words, liberty and constitutional government were not to be thought of.[I-50] Another decree of June 17th, demanded of the deputies from America having in their possession petitions from their constituents to lay them before the royal government, in order that they might be acted upon. Several measures for the protection of morals and the advancement of civilization were also enacted. CHAPTER II. INDEPENDENCE ACHIEVED. 1818-1821. PRESIDENT CÁRLOS URRUTIA—HIS LIBERAL VIEWS—COLOMBIAN ASSAULTS—SPANISH CONSTITUTION RESTORED—THE GAZISTAS, OR BACOS—THE CACOS—JOSÉ DEL VALLE—PEDRO MOLINA—LIBERAL INSTITUTIONS—EXTENT OF THE POLITICAL GOVERNMENT—ECCLESIASTICAL ADMINISTRATION—WORK OF AMERICAN DEPUTIES—PARTY EXCITEMENT IN GUATEMALA—URRUTIA DELEGATES HIS POWERS—SUBSTITUTE PRESIDENT GAVINO GAINZA—CHIAPAS AND HER GOVERNMENT—SHE SECEDES FROM SPAIN AND JOINS THE MEXICAN EMPIRE—GUATEMALA DECLARES FOR INDEPENDENCE—JUNTA GUBERNATIVA—CONVOCATION OF A CONGRESS. Successor to Bustamante in the position of governor, president, and captain-general, in March 1818, was Lieutenant-general Cárlos Urrutia,[II-1] knight grand cross of the military order of San Hermenegildo, which entitled him to be called excelentísimo señor. It was a difficult position. The country was at peace, it is true, but a political volcano was at work, and no one could foretell when the upheaval of revolution might occur,[II-2] letting loose the elements of destruction, as had happened in other parts of Spanish America. However, another constitutional term under the Spanish monarch was about being inaugurated, and this fact helped to bring on definitive results.