Page:Description of the Abattoirs of Paris.djvu/8

4 parts of this system, and it is conceived, that under a modified form of administration, they may be rendered perfectly applicable to this country.

In contemplating these vast establishments, the first impression must be that of wonder at the comprehensive mind of the man, who, amidst the turmoil of war, the establishing, or overthrowing of governments, or meditating the invasion of distant kingdoms, and, in fact, whilst engaged in contention with half the world, was yet so intimately acquainted with the details of the internal administration of the country, and particularly with those of so important a question as the supply of food for the metropolis, as to be able to devise and carry into execution a remedy for admitted evils. Perhaps nothing exhibits more clearly the soundness of the Emperor's views, and his admirable foresight, than the general completeness of the whole system, which has scarcely been changed since its first adoption; whilst, on the other hand, it is humiliating to our national amour propre to acknowledge, that Great Britain, in spite of its boasted cleanliness, still obstinately retains, in the centre of the metropolis, and in the midst of a crowded and increasing population, that monstrous nuisance, Smithfield Market, surrounded with numerous slaughter-houses, and other offensive trades incidental to them; and this, in defiance of the demands for a remedy, which can be so readily and cheaply supplied.

In 1810 a commission was appointed to consider the entire question, of which the Vice-President of the Council of Public Buildings was President, and combined with him was the Secretary of the sane council, and M. Courbault, who had formerly been a butcher.This commission determined on a programme, which was made in that session (October 14th, 1810), and after the members had examined the proposals of five architects, they adopted a general plan for all the abattoirs, .which shows the great pains and foresight with which the question had been considered, and demonstrates great knowledge of the necessities of the trade they were intended to assist.

A report was presented to the emperor Napoleon, upon the evils which existed in Paris, from the slaughter-houses being situated in all parts of the city. The evils complained of were the filthy state of the streets, by the passing of the cattle through them, as well as the danger to the passengers; the putrefaction of the offal and blood lying about in the slaughter-houses, and which, being thrown into the River Seine, the great receptacle for it,