MAUREPAS, mA're-p(V, .TrAx Trif:ntine PIIPLIPPEACX. Count 11701-811. Minister of State in the reigns of Louis XV. and XV1. of France. Ile was born July 9, 1701. at Versailles. The office of Minister of State had been held by his father, who on resigning in 1715 was able to transfer it to his son. It fell to Maurcpas at the age of fourteen, but was administered dur ing his minority by the Marquis de Villiere, his future father-in-law. Maurepas became Minister of Marine in 1725, and Secretary of State in 1738. He made sonic attempts toward restoring the efficiency of the navy by establishing naval academies and introducing scientific methods of instruetion. A satirical couplet against Madame de Pompadour brought about his disgrace in 1749, and lie was exiled from Court until the death of Louis XV. When Louis XVI. came to the throne in 1774. Maurepas was recalled. With out striking ability of his own, lie displayed great wisdom in the selection of the members of his council. Vergennes being made Minister
for Foreign Affairs, Turgot Comptroller-General, and :Nlalisherbes Minister of the Royal House hold. Ile supported Vergennes in the alliance with the United States and in the declaration of war against England. He belonged in spirit nevertheless to the old regime, and in alarm at TurgoCs wide-reaching plans of reform brought about that Minister's downfall in 1776, his place being taken by Necker, who in turn was dis missed in May, 1781. He held his place as chief Minister of the Crown until his death, which took place at Versailles, November 21. 1781. Memoirs of a curious nature were published under his name 14 vole.. Paris, 1790-92), but were really largely the work of his secretary. The Bib liothequr Nationale, however, contains a volu minous collection of French chansons made by him.