ZARCO, Francisco (thar'-co), Mexican journalist, born in Durango, 4 December, 1829; died in the city of Mexico, 29 December, 1869. He studied in his native city, and after the occupation of the capital by the American forces, 16 September, 1847, Luis de la Rosa, the general minister of the Mexican government in Queretaro, appointed him chief clerk On the evacuation of the capital by the American forces, Zarco became a member of the staff of the paper "El Siglo XIX," and shortly afterward he took the direction of the weekly " La Ilustracion," in which he published a series of notable articles on customs, literature, history, and criticism under the pen-name of "Fortun." From 1849 till 1853 he was editor-in-chief of "El Siglo XIX." he also edited a satirical paper, "La Cosquilla," which at tacked the administration, and contributed to the fall of the government of General Arista. He was elected a member of congress in 1855, and in the session of 1856 defended the reform laws with enthusiasm. On the accession of Zuloaga he was persecuted by the government, and for more than two years remained concealed, but published "El Boletin Clandestino" and "Los asesinatos de Tacubaya," which were distributed broadcast. Being discovered by the police, 13 May, 1860, he was imprisoned till the fall of the reactionary government, 25 December, 1860. Juarez, on his return to the capital, appointed him secretary of state and president of the council. But when congress assembled and the votes of five states, electing him to that body, were declared illegal, he resigned, and returned to the direction of "El Siglo XIX." On the departure of the republican government from Mexico, he followed Juarez, publishing "La Independencia Mexicana" in San Luis Potosi, and "La Accion" in Saltillo. He then went to the United States. After the return of the republican government he was elected to congress for the Federal district. He died poor, notwithstanding he had been financial agent of the government without restriction during the residence of Juarez in Vera Cruz. Congress voted a pension to his family, and inscribed his name in the legislative hall.