Adolphe Vuitry
Adolphe Vuitry | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Sens, France |
| Died | 23 June 1885 (aged 72) Marolles-sur-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, France |
| Occupation(s) | Lawyer, economist, politician, historian |
| Years active | 1839–1885 |
| Known for | Governor of the Banque de France (1863–1864); Minister-President of the Conseil d'Etat (1864–1869) |
Adolphe Vuitry (, 31 March 1813 – 23 June 1885) was a distinguished French lawyer, economist, and politician, renowned for his expertise in finance. He held the position of governor at the Banque de France between 1863 and 1864 and served as Minister-President of the Conseil d'Etat from 1864 until 1869. In his later years, he dedicated himself to historical research, producing numerous works on medieval and modern financial systems.
Early years 1813–1848
Originating from regions in Champagne and the Ardennes, Vuitry's lineage evolved from agricultural laborers to roles such as tax collectors and legal advocates. By the conclusion of the Ancien Régime, his family had achieved considerable prosperity and maintained influence throughout the French Revolution. His father, Martin Vuitry (1786–1879), was appointed Engineer of Sens in 1810 and engaged in liberal politics during the era of the July Monarchy.
Adolphe Vuitry was born in Sens on 31 March 1813 and demonstrated academic excellence at local institutions including the lycée in Sens, followed by studies at Collège Sainte-Barbe and Lycée Louis-le-Grand in Paris. Initially enrolling at École Polytechnique with intentions toward engineering, he soon redirected his focus to law, earning a Doctorate in Law by 1838. His professional journey began under the tutelage of barrister Jean-Baptiste Teste but he quickly moved into public administrative service.
Starting in 1839, Vuitry served within the Ministry of Justice and Religious Affairs under various ministers. He married Marie-Caroline-Jenny Bret in 1840. By 1844, he had risen to deputy director of Religious Affairs but resigned two years later in 1846 to join the litigation division of the Council of State—a role he maintained through the February Revolution of 1848, despite personal dismay over the political turmoil.
Second Republic and Empire 1848–1870
Following the upheaval of 1848, Vuitry was reinstated to the Council of State’s litigation section. Between 26 April and 26 October 1851, he held the office of Deputy Secretary of State for Finance under Achille Fould, during which he delivered two addresses before the Legislative Assembly concerning savings banks and concessions for Mediterranean packet boats. This short appointment helped establish his reputation as a specialist in financial matters. Subsequently, by decree dated 13 December 1851, he became part of the Administration section within the Advisory Committee to the Finance Committee and contributed to drafting regulations for Crédit Foncier de France.
On 25 January 1852, Vuitry was named Councillor of State assigned to the Finance Division. He opposed confiscation measures targeting the House of Orleans' assets and was frequently suspected of Orleanist sympathies throughout his career. Acting as rapporteur for numerous finance bills, he authored explanatory notes on major financial legislation from 1855 through 1863, defended government budget proposals before parliament, and responded to deputies’ inquiries regarding fiscal matters. On 18 May 1857, he delivered a notable speech advocating for an extension of privileges granted to the Bank of France and was elevated to President of the Finance section on 24 June that year.
In 1862, Vuitry was elected to the Academy of Moral and Political Sciences. The following year, on 15 May 1863, he succeeded Charles Le Bègue de Germiny as Governor of the Bank of France. His administration managed a financial crisis during 1863–1864 by facilitating special Treasury support and resolving issues related to the Bank of Savoy. His governorship concluded on 28 September 1864 when Gustave Rouland took over.
Upon returning to the Council of State as Minister-President on 28 September 1864, Vuitry broadened its political role while maintaining steadfast loyalty to Emperor Napoleon III. He vigorously defended government fiscal policies amid intense opposition between 1864 and 1865. On 4 August 1867, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Imperial Order of the Legion of Honor. Disagreeing with liberal reforms introduced by the regime, he resigned from his Council position on 17 July 1869 and was appointed senator shortly thereafter on 21 July. From 1852 until 1870, Vuitry also served as General Counsel for Yonne, assuming leadership of its departmental assembly after 1865.
Later years 1871–1885
Following the conclusion of the Franco-Prussian War and the fall of the empire, Vuitry assumed the presidency of the board at the Compagnie du Paris-Lyon-Méditerranée from 25 August 1871 until 15 November 1878, after which he was named honorary president. Additionally, he held a directorial position at the Nationale insurance firm. In his final years, he devoted considerable attention to historical research.
Throughout his career, Vuitry was recognized with several distinctions: he was appointed Officer of the Legion of Honour in 1858, elevated to Commander in 1860, and ultimately awarded the Grand Cross in 1867. He passed away on 23 June 1885 at the Saint-Donain priory located in Marolles-sur-Seine, Seine-et-Marne, aged 72, and was interred at Père Lachaise Cemetery. His familial connections include his son-in-law, Henri Germain, who established and led Crédit Lyonnais.
Renowned for his deep expertise and composed nature, Vuitry thrived in administrative capacities despite harboring a dislike for contentious parliamentary debates and experiencing anxiety when addressing the legislative chamber.
Writings
Among Vuitry’s official publications are:
- Souvenir. M. Adolphe Vuitry, Paris, A. Hennuyer, 1887
- Rapports et discours de M. Adolphe Vuitry, ancien ministre présidant le Conseil d’Etat, membre de l’Institut, Paris, A. Hennuyer, 1887
In his later period, he produced comprehensive works focused on medieval and early modern fiscal systems:
- Les impôts romains dans la France du VIe au Xe siècle, Orléans, 1873
- Les monnaies et le régime monétaire de la monarchie féodale, de Hugues Capet à Philippe le Bel (687–1285), Orléans, 1876
- L’aide féodale sous Philippe le Bel et ses trois fils, 1285–1328, Orléans, 1879
- Les monnaies sous Philippe le Bel et ses trois fils, 1285–1328, Orléans, 1879
- Le Gouvernement royal et l’administration des finances sous Philippe le Bel et ses trois fils (1285–1328), Orléans, 1880
- Les monnaies sous les trois premiers Valois, 1328–1380, Orléans, 1881
- L’origine et l’établissement de l’impôt pour les trois premiers Valois (1328–1380), Orléans, 1883
- Etudes sur le régime financier de la France avant la Révolution, Paris, Guillaumin, 1878–1883 (3 volumes), which cover:
- Roman taxation in France from the 6th to the 10th centuries and finances under the feudal monarchy during the 11th to 13th centuries
- The reign of Philippe le Bel and his sons (1285–1328)
- The era of the first three Valois monarchs (1328–1380)
- Le désordre des finances et les excès de la spéculation à la fin du règne de Louis XIV et au commencement du règne de Louis XV, Paris, 1885 (a collection reprinting articles originally published in the Revue des deux Mondes)