ALESSANDRIA Palma, Arturo (Alessandri Palma Arturo)

(1868-1950)
Born Longavцґ December 20, 1868. Secondary education in provincial schools, and in 1893 graduated from the Law Faculty, University of Santiago. From 1897 to 1915 was a deputy of the National Congress, 1915-1931 - Senator. He has held several government posts: in 1908 - Minister of Industry and Public Works, in 1913 - Minister of Finance, in 1918 - the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. In 1920 Alessandri won the presidential election as the candidate of the Liberal Coalition, representing the interests of the middle class and working. If it had been held democratic reforms, . including installed an 8-hour workday and compulsory social insurance; adopted a new constitution, . proclaimed the fundamental democratic freedoms, . Church was separated from the state,
. In 1924, after the establishment of military dictatorship, Alessandri emigrated. Returned home in 1925. In 1932 he was elected president. After the second presidential term in 1937, Alessandri at the time away from political activity, but again took the post of Senator in 1946. Alessandri died in Santiago on August 24, 1950.