FRANCO DE SA, Joaquim (fran'codasah'), Brazilian magistrate, born in Alcantara, Brazil, 25 December 1807; died in Rio Janeiro, 10 November 1851. He studied in Portugal, but in 1828 returned to Brazil, and was graduated in law at the Academy of Olinda in 1832. hi 1833 he became public prosecutor at Maranhao, next year judge of the district court for Sao Luiz, and afterward held many places of public trust. In 1841 he was elected a deputy in the national parliament, and in 1844 was appointed president of the province of Parahyba, where he introduced reforms. When his native province, Maranhao, became a prey to hostile parties, Franco was called to the presidency, 27 October 1846. He formed the "Ligaliberalmaranheuse" of the best elements of the opposing parties, and this society soon became his firm supporter in the preservation of public order, which in a few months was fully restored. Franco gave a great impulse to public instruction, establishing many schools, and under his administration the first newspaper, "O Progreso," was published in the province. In less than two years he made the province one of the most prosperous and flourishing of the empire. He resigned the presidency, 1 October 1848, and retired to private life.