in, and that the immense outlay of
capital might be applied to purposes so much more calculated to promote
the welfare of the country. Others contend that supposing France to be
assailed by three armies, and even that she be victorious over two of
them, and it be not the case with the third, that force might march on
Paris, which might be immediately taken if it were open as at present,
whereas if fortified, the resistance it would be enabled to make would
give time for either of the victorious armies to come to its relief.
Whilst a third party pretend that the fortifications are intended more
to operate against Paris than in its defence; that in case of any
formidable popular commotion the surrounding cannon can be pointed
against the city and inhabitants, and any refractory bands that might be
disposed to pour in from the province to join the factious could be
effectually prevented entering Paris. Whatever may be the different
opinions on the subject, every one must regret such a tremendous expense
for almost a visionary object, whilst there is so much capital and
labour required for increasing the facilities of communication by means
of improved roads, canals, or railways from the opposite points of the
kingdom.

With respect to the ameliorations which have already been effected in
Paris, one may say that wonders have been accomplished, particularly in
regard to cleansing and paving the streets, and in all possible cases
opening and widening every available spot of ground, whereby a freer air
could be admitted. I cannot conceive how people formerly could exist in
such dirty holes emitting horrible odours, of which there still remain
too many specimens, wherein even the physical appearance of persons one
would imagine certainly must be affected, yet I have often remarked in
the midst of the narrowest and most unsightly looking streets of Paris,
numbers of persons with fresh colours and having a most healthy
appearance; it is true that there are now open spaces in all quarters,
from which a person cannot live more than about two hundred yards, the
Boulevards encircling Paris, and the Seine running through it with its
large wide quays, afford a free current of air all through the heart of
the city, then there are such a number of spacious markets, of _places_,
or, as we call them, squares, and of large gardens, which all afford
ample breathing room; whereas in London that is not the case, in many
parts, such as the city