COUTHON, GEoncEs (1756-94). A French politician and revolutionary leader, born at Orsay, in Auvergne. December 22, 1756. He practiced law successfully at Clermont, where he acquired great popularity on account of his fine intellectual powers and grave gentleness of character. At first a moderate republican, he was elected to municipal office and later, in 1791, was sent by the electors of Puy-de-Dame to represent them in the Legislative Assembly. He became more and more radical with the progress of the Revolution, and, though a chronic be poured forth invectives against royalty and the Church from the tribune. He voted for the death of the French monarch without delay or appeal to the country. Elected to the Conven tion, Couthon attached himself to Robespierre, was appointed a member of the Committee of Public Safety in 1793, and sent against the in surgent city of Lyons. After the entrance of the Republican army Couthon showed comparative moderation and controlled the soldiery. Only
twenty-four of the insurgents were put to death, and though property was ruthlessly destroyed, the lives of the citizens were respected until the arrival of Collot dlIerbois (q.v.). Couthon re turned to Paris. formed with Robespierre and Saint Just a supreme tribunal. and made him self conspicuous by his extreme virulence against England. He assisted Robespierre in destroy ing the partisans of Hehert and Danton, but was himself involved in the ruin which over took his chief. After a vain attempt at suicide Couthon was borne to the guillotine. July 28, 1794, together with Saint Just and Robespierre. Consult : "Afege, rorrespondanee de (Paris, 1872) ; Aulard, Les orateurs de la b'gis latire et de la convention (Paris, 1885-86) ; Morse-Stephens, The French, Revolution (New York, 1S91).