JAY

See under Crow Famity.’ in its statesman, jurist_and diplomat; b. ir coyNew York City. He graduated at King’: ft. College, now Columbia University, ir of the 1764; was admitted to the bar in 1768 teak, and speedily became one of the most in: trees. fluential figures in the colony. Thougt sugar, conservative in temperament, he was ar tobacco, ardent supporter of the Revolutionary cause. He served as a member of the to Continental Congre , 1774-77, and wa: tobacco, the president of that body, 1778-79. He indigo, wrote some notable state papers durins include his membership in Congre , which hac a powerful effect upon public opinion car From 1777 to 1779, he was the chief jus native tice of New York state. He representec the United States in Spain, from 1779 to 1782. Although his diplomatic status was not acknowledged by that country, his stay was not unfruitful, for he prevented America from making unwise conce ions to Spain in the matter of Mi i ippi River navigation. He was one of the negotiators of the peace treaty between this country and Great i Britain; 1782-83, and to him belongs the chief credit of bringing negotiations to a succe ful close. Following his return to this country, he was secretary for Foreign Affairs, 1784-89, and was a powerful factor in securing the ratification by New York state of the Federal Constitution. When the National Government was organized, Jay was chosen as first chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, 1789, and held that position until 1795. Without relinquishing his office, he negotiated as envoy of the United States the treaty with the British Govycernment, in 1794, generally known as the Jay Treaty. The treaty aroused widespread controversy, but was finally Tatified by the Senate. From 1795 to 1801, he was Governor of New York, having been elected as a Federalist. After the latter date he lived in dignified retirement on his estate at Bedford, N.Y., until his death, in 1829. MEUNG (d. c. 1305), Fr. poet; 6. at Meun-sur-Loire; continued the Roman de la rose fifty years after Guillaume de Lorris had begun it, 1230. The first part was only an allegory of love (the rose), the second, 18,000 verses long, a kind of enclycopeedia; its mirth, satire, and verpal excellence delighted France until well on into period of Renai ance.