In 1900, Francisco Javier Asalgado was elected segundo alcalde of Pichilemu, as José María Caro Martínez began his third term as mayor (primer alcalde) of the commune.

In spite of this, the city council named Francisco Javier Asalgado as the acting primer alcalde.

He served the remainder of Caro Martínez's term, which lasted until the next year.

However, an appeals court ruled in favor of Salas in September that year.

After Salas' term was completed, he once again ran for the office of primer alcalde, and was elected.