Ismael Edwards Matte

• Name — Ismael Edwards • Born — 1 January 1891 • Birthplace — Santiago, Chile • Died — 12 July 1954 • Place of death — Santiago, Chile • Office — Member of the Chamber of Deputies • Constituency — 7th Departamental Grouping, Santiago • Term Start — 15 May 1926 • Term End — 6 June 1932 • Constituency2 — Santiago • Term Start2 — 15 May 1921 • Term End2 — 11 September 1924 • Occupation — Architect • Party — Liberal Party • Alma Mater — University of Chile

He was born in Santiago in 1891, son of Guillermo Edwards Garriga and Rosario Matte Pérez. He was brother of Guillermo Edwards. He married Luz Izquierdo Tupper, and they had three children. He studied architecture at the University of Chile, where he obtained the title of architect. He was member of the Liberal Party. In 1916 he was vice president and president of the Liberal Center of Santiago; in 1920 he served as president of its Youth branch, and later as director and treasurer of the party. He served as director of the Sociedad de Instrucción Primaria; director and honorary member of the Sociedad de Escuelas Nocturnas para Obreros; director of the Patronato Nacional de la Infancia; and director of the Instituto de Arquitectos de Santiago. He was member of the Círculo de Periodistas and of the Asociación de Cronistas de Cine. He prepared the plans for the Caja de Crédito Popular building inaugurated in April 1928 and participated as technician in the construction of the Central Bank building. In addition to architecture, he devoted himself to writing. He founded and directed the magazine Hoy, was president of Editorial Ercilla, and served as director of the Department of Information and Broadcasting of the Government between 1938 and 1941. His oversight activity against Arturo Alessandri and his supporters led to his deportation in March 1925 by decree of the Government Junta presided over by Emilio Bello Codesido. He left the country, traveled to Europe, and returned later that year. He was member of the Club de la Unión from 1920 and of the Club Hípico; he was also vice president of the PEN Club of Chile. He died in Santiago on 12 July 1954.

He was elected deputy for Santiago for the 1921–1924 period and served on the Permanent Commission of Social Legislation and the Commission of Style Revision; he was alternate member of the Permanent Commissions of Foreign Affairs and Colonization, and Public Assistance and Worship. He was re-elected for the 1924–1927 period and served on the Permanent Commissions of Social Legislation, Interior Police, and Style Revision. Congress was dissolved on 11 September 1924 by decree of the Government Junta. He was re-elected deputy for the 7th Departamental Grouping of Santiago for the 1926–1930 period and served on the Permanent Commission of Foreign Affairs; he was alternate member of the Permanent Commissions of Public Education and Interior Police. He was again elected for the same constituency for the 1930–1934 period and served on the Permanent Commissions of Foreign Affairs and Budget and Objected Decrees. The revolutionary movement that broke out on 4 June 1932 decreed, on 6 June, the dissolution of Congress.