FRONTAURA, Wtsquez Carlos, Spanish dramatist and journalist: b. Madrid, Spain, 4 Sept. 1835. He was one of the most voluminous writers of Spain in the 19th century and contributed to practically all the well-known newspapers and magazines of Madrid. He founded the Cascabel, which he used in behalf of the restoration to the throne of Spain of Alfonso XII, in which he was finally successful. He became president of the Council of Ministers, and for six years he was governor of various provinces, editor-in-chief of the Gaceta de Madrid and finally head of the section of public charities in the Depart ment of the Interior, a position he held for many years. He wrote many dramas and musical comedies, several of which were very popular and are still played wherever Spanish is spoken. Two of his zarzuelas, 'Un caballero particular> and 'En las astas del tor& have been presented almost countless numbers of times in Spain and the Spanish-American coun tries. Among his numerous comedies, 'Pepe
Carranza> and 'Las tres rosas,> have also been extraordinarily popular. Among his other works which have been widely read are 'Las tiendas,> 'Los sermones de Dona Paquita,' 'Tipos madrileflos,) 'La Galeria de Matrimo nios,' 'Miedo al hombre,' 'Brigida.) In all, his novels, stories and humorous works num ber little short of 100. He also published 'Los Niflos,' a magazine collection of stories for children (14 vols.), the best of its kind in Spain. His writings dealing with national cus toms contributed to La IllistraciOn Espanola y Americana show a real insight into the life of certain classes of Spain. He has also written several books for children which became very popular. Many of his works of all kinds have been translated into Portuguese, French, Ger man and Italian.