Remains of 19th-century Chilean leader found under crypt in cathedral

Published: 2005-03-30

SANTIAGO, Chile (CNS) -- University of Chile archaeologists remodeling the crypt of Santiago's metropolitan cathedral confirmed they have discovered the remains of influential 19th-century political leader Diego Portales Palazuelos. On March 24, forensic experts confirmed the identity of the body found in military uniform under the cathedral's main altar. Archaeologists also found the deteriorated remains of another man, presumably Jose Tomas Ovalle, provisional president of Chile in 1830, but his identity had not been confirmed by March 30. Portales, a controversial political figure who occupied four Cabinet posts in the 1830s, has been credited for designing Chile's 1833 constitution that established an authoritarian presidential system. Portales also set out to consolidate Chile's control over the Pacific Ocean and harshly criticized the Monroe Doctrine as American expansionism.

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