Danton, Georges

JACQUES, a French revolutionist, B. at Arcis-sur-Aube, 1759. He was an advocate by profe ion, but became one of the most active among the demagogues of the revolutionary period. After the imprisonment of Louis XVI. at Varennes, he took the lead in the meeting of Champ-de-Mars, which paved the way to the dethronement of the king; and ended in those scenes of blood and cruelty that have forever rendered execrable the name of Jacobin. Well qualified for the position he a umed, by his colo al figure, stentorian voice, and fierce demeanor, he became one of the executive council, and prepared measures for the defence of the capital when it was threatened by the Pru ian invaders under the Duke of Brunswick. He was afterwards a member of the Convention and of the Committee of Public Safety, and was a chief promoter of all the sanguinary acts of that terrible period. At length a struggle for supremacy took place between him and Robes pierre, in which the latter was succe ful, when D. was sent to the guillotine, 1794.