FAVRE, JULES CLAUDE GABRIEL, a French advocate and minister, was b. at Lyons, 21st Mar., 1809. He is.the son of a merchant, studied for the bar, and passed at Lyons in 1830. His political opinions have always been intensely republican, and when plead ing in the course of numerous political lawsuits, F. not unfrequently placed the state solicitors, and even the judges, in a very embarrassing position by the boldness of his sentiments. As the defender of the Mutuallists at Lyons, in 1831, he was in danger of losing his life; this, however, did not prevent him from defending those who had been impeached in April, and commencing his speech with Je suia republicain. Since 1834, F. has been a member of the Paris bar. In the Feb.Jevolution of 1848, he was home secretary, in which capacity he wrote the notorious circular for which Ledru-Rollin's administration was so severely reproached, investing the commissioners of the republic with dictatorial authority in the provinces. He was a member of the commit
tee of foreign affairs. After the election of the 10th Dec., F. showed himself a persist ent antagonist of Louis Napoleon, and after the flight of Ledru-Rollin, became the orator of the mountain. The coup d'etat closed his political career at this time. He refused to take the oath of fidelity to the imperial government, and betook himself again to his profession. In 1858, he defended Orsini on his trial for a conspiracy to murder. In the same year, however, lie became a member of the legislature. In Sept., 1870, after the downfall of the empire, he was appointed minister of war, and carried on negotiations with count Bismarck. He resigned office in July, 1871, and resumed practice at the bar. F. is greatest in political repartee, and, though long accustomed to public strife, his language is noted for its Attic elegance.