FRANCO, Bernardo de Sousa (frank's), Viscount, Brazilian statesman, born in Para, 28 June 1805; died in Rio Janeiro, 9 May 1875. He studied at Para. In 1823, being involved in a conspiracy, he was sent with 257 others to Lisbon, but was set at liberty in 1824, returned to Brazil, and was graduated in law at Olinda academy in 1885. He had already distinguished himself as editor of the " Voz do Beberibe" and of the " Diario de Pernambuco." In 1839 he was appointed president of the province of Para, arid contributed largely to its improvement. In 1844 he was president of the province of Alagoas, and soon afterward was attacked by the rebel Vicente Ferreira and his troops. Franco defended himself as well as he could, but, lacking the means necessary to continue the defense, he retired on board a man-of-war. He had belonged to the Conservative party, but on account of its corruption went over to the other. He was a member of all the legislatures, and was one of the most eloquent orators of South America. From 31 May till 29 September he was minister of foreign relations. On July 5, 1855, the emperor appointed him senator for Par& and on 4 May 1857, he became secretary of the treasury, and in 1864 counselor of state. In 1866 Franco was appointed president of the province of Rio Janeiro, which had been impoverished by the war with Paraguay, but soon improved. In 1865 he resigned the presidency of Rio Janeiro, as this office was incompatible with his duties as counselor of state. On 28 September. 1871, emancipation, for which Franco and other distinguished Brazilians had labored so hard, was decreed. In 1872 he was made Viscount Franco by the emperor.