Ruido de sables

At the same time, Chile was politically paralyzed by a conflict between President Arturo Alessandri and the conservatively controlled congress, who refused to discuss any of the drafts that he sent them.

This program was received with public outcry, mainly because it was the only law that had been produced by the governing coalition while the social measures prepared by President Alessandri had been postponed time and again.

As the officers silently started to leave, they began to rattle the scabbards (chapes) of the sabers they wore as part of their dress uniform against the floor, as a way to indicate their discontent with the political class in general, and in sign of support to Alessandri's social agenda.

[1] This event was the culmination of a process that marked the increasing desire by the military corps of a more active participation in Chilean politics.

On September 8, General Altamirano appeared in front of Congress to demand the passage of eight laws, including Alessandri's labor code.