Juan Antonio Escurra
| Juan Antonio Escurra | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 15th President of Paraguay | |
|
In office November 25, 1902 – December 19, 1904 |
|
| Preceded by | Héctor Carvallo |
| Succeeded by | Juan Gaona |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 6, 1859 Caraguatay |
| Died |
August 24, 1929 Villa Hayes |
| Nationality | Paraguayan |
| Political party | Colorado |
Juan Antonio Escurra (May 6, 1859 – August 24, 1929) was the President of Paraguay from 1902 to 1904. He was born on May 6, 1859 in Caraguatay, Cordillera department. He was married with Josefa M. Rojas, woman from a traditional family, who later would be the First Lady of the nation. His family worked growing cotton, corn and fruits. After Uriarte and Egusquiza, he was the third president with Basque last name.
He went to school in his hometown, and later dedicated to farming. In 1879, at the age of 20 he joined the army. He got important promotions. In 1891 he was designated Commander in Misiones; in May 1892 he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and on August 24, 1897 to Colonel of the nation. His most important promotion was to Second Lieutenant of Cavalry. He was part of the coup that overthrew the government of Emilio Aceval. He had an important participation in the riot on October 18, 1891, in which he defended the government of General Egusquiza.
He was President of Paraguay at the age of 43 years, between November 25, 1902 and December 19, 1904. He could complete his period of government because the revolution in 1904. The Vice-President was Manuel Dominguez, who also adhered to the revolution. The cabinet of Escurra was the youngest ever, because the member where only from 26 to 43 years old. They were: Fulgencio R. Moreno, Juan Bautista Gaona and Emiliano González Navero in Treasury; Eduardo Fleitas and José Emilio Pérez in the Department of the Interior; Cayetano Carreras in the Justice and Culture Department; Antonio Cáceres, Patricio Escobar, Bernardino Caballero and Benigno Ferreira in War and Navy; Pedro Pablo Peña, Cayetano Carreras, Gualberto Cardús Huerta and Cecilio Báez in the Foreign Office.
During his government the prestigious school San José was founded, the national currency and budget stabilized. The currency had a respectable value during his government. The commerce grew noticeably, the firm Casal Ribeiro exported successfully tobacco and cotton to Europe; Rius y Jorba exported leather and wool in great amounts. Arturo Rebaudi, according to decree of March 21, 1904, was as delegate to the 2nd Medical Congress, in Buenos Aires; the first class of Medicine from the National University graduated; San Antonio was declared a district, the Solar Artigas was donated to Uruguay, the construction of a monument to the Heroes of Ytororó was authorized and the Argentine Code of Commerce was adopted.
...
Wikipedia