DE WITT, Jan, Dutch statesman: b. Dort, 24 Sept. 1625; d. The Hague, 20 Aug. 1672. His father was Jacob De Witt, a prominent figure in the stormy dissensions of Holland's political life, and an ardent supporter of the Republic against the hereditary stadtholders of the house of Orange. The boy received a thor ough education, and because of his natural pre cocity absorbed his father's political views at an early age. In 1652, he was sent in the capacity of deputy to the state of Zealand, in order to secure the allegiance of that province, which seemed to have monarchical leanings. So convincing were his efforts, that on his re turn he was made grand pensionary of Dort (1653), holding that office by repeated election until 1672. De Witt soon demonstrated that the confidence which the Republic had given him was not misplaced. He first turned his attention to the administration of foreign af fairs, and succeeded in establishing amicable relations with England. In his negotiations with Cromwell, he took special pains to exclude the possibility of playing into the hands of the rival party of the young Prince of Orange. A secret clause inserted in the treaty rendered the office of stadtholder impotent. In his relations with Sweden and Portugal, De Witt was equally fortunate. He did not neglect the internal ad ministration during this time, but set about fix ing its finances on a firm basis, and developed the East Indian commerce. But trouble lay ahead. Charles II was restored to the English throne, and the secret clause inserted in the treaty by De Witt and Cromwell was wiped out. Hostilities were resumed on the sea. De Witt bent all his splendid energies to the task of defending the honor of his state, and finally, with the aid of the naval prowess of Admiral de Ruyter, brought the war to an end with Treaty of Breda (1667). He further secured
his position by the brilliant triple alliance of the Dutch Republic with England and Sweden. However, this produced only a lull in the gath ering storm. It had been easy enough to sup press the adherents of William III during his minority. But as time elapsed, they grew to formidable numbers and power. They awaited an opportune time to restore the stadtholder, and the psychological moment finally came. Louis XIV in 1672 suddenly appeared at the head of an army to claim the Spanish Nether lands in the name of his wife, Maria Theresa. The Republic turned to William to resist the invasion ; and foreseeing open hostility, De Witt resigned from the office of grand pensioner in August. Events followed rapidly. Cornelius, the brother of De Witt, was arrested on charge of conspiracy against William and sentenced to banishment. Jan came to visit him on the day of his release; and, while returning from the prison, both were attacked and killed by the in furiated burghers. When years had mellowed the passions of the moment, Holland saw De Witt in his true light; and in recognition of his splendid services and sterling qualities erected a monument, the work of Jeltsema, at The Hague, June 1918. Among his writings are his (Mem oirs) (1709) and his (6 vols., 1723 25). Consult Beck, 'History of the Nether lands) (New York 1898-1907) ; Geddes, J., 'The Administration of John De Witt' (Lon don 1879) ; Knottenbelt, Life of Jan De Witt' (1862) ; Motley, (History of the United Neth erlands' (4 vols., New York 1860-62); Ponta lis, (Jan de Witt' (Eng. trans., 2 vols., London 18135) ; Simons, (Life of Jan De Witt) (1832-36).