Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-12-03
Director of Public Roads Page
Gives His Impressions Re-
ceived in Paris.
FOUND GOOD ROADS ABROAD
Built No Better Than American Roads
hut Receive better Care-A Fight
In England 70 Keep Horses on
the Highways-They Pol
lutte the ROnda.

II i.,
Waller Page. director Of the ONCE
Of public roads OF the United States de-
partment OF agriculture, who was named
by President Roosevelt as head OF the
American commission to the recent In
ternational Reads Congress at Paris, re-
turned to Washington a few days since
firm in the belief that In some Of the
more scientific branches OF highway
construction tho United States has moth
Ing to learn from the older nations
though he IS willing TO concede that
those countries surpass this to an amaz
ing degree In the percentage OF improved
road mileage and In the Jealous care
with which their splendid highways are
maintained.
Among the many things which especial
" impressed Mr. Page during this Euro
rean trip were tho methods for regulat-
ing automobile traffic In France and Eng
| land: the belief Of ma iority Of the
delegates to the roads congress that the
automobile running at average speed Is
not detrimental to highways; the splen-
dor OF French hospitality: the discovery
| that many miles OF very satisfactory
highways in England have been con-
structed BY mixing limestone ana gran
tie after the methods set forth in pub
| locations issued through the United
States Office OF public roads. and the a
musing discussion now being carried on
| by Englis1, Automobiles against horse
| traffic IN city streets and upon suburban
| highways.
II Is his belief that from the congress
Itself at least one big result will flow
and credit for that must go TO America.
On suggestion BY Dir, Page. II was
| determined to create an international
bureau Of roads. similar in some respects
| to the international bureau OF navigation.
This body will consist of two or more
delegates from each OF the 90 govern
ments represented at the congress. It's
purpose will be the collecting Of all pos
sib,e information on road work. the pass
ing on it by the committee Of experts
and its distribution throughout the
world.
The ultimate benefits Of so far-reach-
ing n move cannot now be estimated
but the world will some day carry a
heavy debt Of gratitude to the govern
ment whose highway representatives
conceived the thought of such bureau
and brought to its support the delegates
Of every civilized country on the globe
Credit must go TO Mr.. Page for the
proposed erection Of memorial to NJ
Tresauget. the great French highway en-
! gineer who was the originator OF the
modern French system OF road mainten
ance. and who began the building OF th'
incomparnbla system OF highways tina
has made France famous MS road
building nation. The resolution to tina
effect was introduced by Mr.. Page ant
unanimously adopted: the secretary gen
eral being empowered TO receive contr'
buttons with which to carry ont its pro
visions
MAGNIFICENT EMBARRASSMENT.
Asked what plans France had mad'
for the visitors. Mr.. Page said that h
had been amazed at the manner II
which tho republic had planned for I'M
comfort and the entertainment Of tn,
delegates.
Among the functions was an elaborate
reception at the Elysee palace waer
tre national delegates were received b!
President Failieree. The sessions o
the congress were held in vast audi
forum ct the sorbonne: the various sec
tions meeting IN rooms especially furnish
Ell for their comfort nnd convenience
the Sales du Jeu de Paume in corne
of the beautiful garden Of the Tuiieries
Besides the official reception st Elyse
palace. there was special theatrlca
entertainments given at which ramon
French actress recitel a poem speclalI
written for the occasion, reception
the palace Of the minister or puoh
works: another at the magnificent Hote
de Vllle: side excursions TO Fontaineole'
and Nice; and luncheon Mt tho beau
/, tif,l palace at Versailles.
This latter function was Of especla
interest to many Americans because o
the historical associations lingering n
, bout the magnificent palace. The lunch
con was served In the superb orang
, room and when tho delegates, to tn
. number or over so. had taken seats, tn
fountains which form the great decora
tive features OF the superb apartments
were set playing. tribute by Franc
to the visitors. for II Ia only on rar
2 occa slons that the water IS turned int
/ this chain Of basins.
\ FINE ROADS IN FRANCE.
AT the reception nj the Hotel do yin
the visitors we're also treated to scene
of sein,plicity, A regiment Of the pictur
eseuelv uniformed chasseurs Of tn
French army we're detailed TO stand a
, attention one on either end OF ever
, step Of tho grand marble staircase dow
which the delegates passed; and theme
, IN double rows 10 tina state dining room
and grand salons. Gratifying and IN
prees,ve as were these examples OF n
most royal hospitality, the chairman
, the American delegation found more
interest in the perfection Of the systei
OF roads with which tho republic 10 pre-
ytded. and In the systematic method
maintaining them to the highest degre
Of efficiency He was told that on III
, magnificent road leading from Paris
Versailles 5000 automobiles pass e'the
way on each fine dav but he noted tnA
@ II was in such perfect condition that
I was practically as uustless as the care
Z fully swept asphalt street Of a large city
No better macadam roads are built
> France than car. be and arc built In TN
. country: hut the maintaining OF thea
I roads is attended 10 with the utmoi
= care. and for that reason the highway
I are Invariably IN such splendid conditio
. that they excite tho envy OF America
visitors,
. pUsTLEsS ROADS IN ENGLAND.
: Prior TO his arrival at Paris, Mr. Pas
spent some days in England In the con
. pany OF some Of the famous highway Ell