The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1896-10-29
A FRENCH PAVEMENT.
Yellow Pine Being Substituted for Asphalt
and other Systems.


AS paving is of special interest in
this city now, we clip the following
from the Northeastern Zimmerman, as
we think it will interest our readers:
An American who is dealing in
lumber in Paris, during a late visit to
the Letmbernoan office, spoke of the
considerable quantities of yellow pine
which were being employed in street
paving in that French capital He says
that wood paving has to large ex-
tent been substituted for asphalt and
other systems. Wood is considered
more durable, and less noisy, and IN
every way better. 1t is laid on con-
crete foundation, the interstices be-
tween the blocks being filled with
something in the nature of compost
ton, the ingredients of which compact
the whole in a solid, smooth and CO.
hesive mass. The foundation is so firm
and enduring that when the surface of
blocks and filling becomes worn, it can
be removed and another put down, so
that the roadway is as good as before.
It is thus that the French have re-
duced street construction to perfection,
in sharp contrast to much which is
done in that line in this country. What
is peculiarly of interest to American
lumbermen is the fact that yellow pine
has been selected as the wood best
adapted to this kind of street paving.
1t opens up a demand for gulf coast
product that will be continr GUS and in
enlarging proportions. The demand
will likely extend to other cities in
France, and possibly all over the con-
tinent. Here is a chance for American
enterprise to step in as promoter of
this kind of street work with the view
of extending the demand for yellow
pine.
1t is evident that if yellow pine
pavement is good for the French it
should be equally available in American
cities. The plan adopted in Paris
should be followed in this country.
The method hitherto pursued has been
too much of makeshift character, and
lacks the permanency which should
characterize good street work in
American cities of the first class. The
French have not unadvisedly reached
the conclusion that wood pavement, on
permanent foundation, is the best.
Economy is the pronounced trait of the
French people, but their economies
have a longer reach than those of
Americans. They do not count a low
first cost DIS the cheaper in the long
run. Something of that disposition
should enter into the management of
all our public enterprises. Why can
not movement be started in this
country for putting down the Partisan
style of wood pavement on a large
scale? Asphalt is the favorite now for
good streets where the traffic is not too
heavy. But asphalt must be imported
| from distant islands of the sea. We
have the wood at home. Without
doubt yellow pine, coast cedar and fir
can furnish abundant resources for
paving our city streets in accordance
with the French method. In Indian
apolis large quantities of Washington
red cedar have been used for paving.
Why should not yellow pine be en-
ployed to equally good purpose? Here
is an opportunity to promote some
thing in the line of new demand, which
should furnish large outlet for yellow
pine and Pacific coast timber product.