The Salt Lake tribune. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1890-current, 1911-05-08
NOTED BUILDER
Of ROADS HERE
jean Henri Brun, Constructor
of Railroads in French Col
Onies, a Visitor.
MAKING CAREFUL STUDY
OF AMERICAN METHODS
Declares Our Roads Are Su-
periOr to Those of the Eu-
rOpean Countries.

jean Henri Brun. Jneenieur des Arts
ct Manufactures, general manager OF the
Railroad Construction company for the
French colonies in Central Africa, 1ndo-
China, Algeria and the Congo whose
headquarters arc in Paris, spent Sunday
in Salt Lake City. resting on his journey
TO his home. Mr.. Brun has spent the
last seventeen years OF his life in build
ing railroads throughout France and the
French possessions In various parts of
the world. In his trip across the CONT
nent he Is making study Of American
methods OF railroad construction and
valuable Ideas from his observations.
Interpreter Required.
Mr.. Brun speaks only a few words OF
English. and when an interview was
sought by The Tribune reporter II was
found necessary for the newspaper man
aeer of the New Grand hotel cafe. who
speaks French fluently, kindly consented
to translate the questions into French
and the answers into English.
Mr.. Brun stated that he had worked
seven years without vacation and that
he was going to Paris for years rest.
after WHICH he would take up his work
three years he has been engaged in the
construction Of lines In the French col
onies of Central Africa. These posses
advent OF the roads. most of the new
corners being French farmers with Il
sprinkling OF Germans and English. The
chief industries OF this region are the
production of palm oil. used in the manu-
facture OF soaps and other toilet prep
arations, and The raising OF barley for
malt,
Climate Is Drawback.
The one bad feat OF this region. the
railroad builder explained. is the climate,
the year being divided into three months
OF steady rain, three months of dri2zle
and six months of intense heat. during
OF the hot season comprises the months
of November. December, January and
February: During this period the great
menace is yellow fever the germ OF
which is carried and transmitted by
mosquitoes, and the attention of the gov
eminent is being largely directed to
methods for their determination.
Nearly all OF the work is done by native
labor. The negroes, Mr.. Brun says are
excellent workmen OF affectionate dis
position, being. greatly attached to their
employers If kindly treated.
Likes American Roads.
scn between American railroads and
those in the French possessions. Mr..
Brun declared tl,at the American roads
were superior in Che use Of much heavier
steel rails, and likewise in the heavier
equipment, thus giving the trains much
steadier motion, mot so much jump up"
he explained, and also permitting the
making of better time He. did find
fault. however. with much OF the Amer
lean ballast used saying that 1t was too
dusty for the comfort OF the passengers.
in general. however. he believed that
the American roads so far he had
travelled on them, were superior to those
OF any country in Europe. The genius
of the Americans in building railroads
is very great" he explained. II am
making study Of railroad conditions in
the United States as ] journey across
the continent and expect to profit by it."
he added.
Socialism at Standstill.
Asked regarding political conditions in
France at the present time. Mr.. Brun
explained that the Republicans would
remain in power for an indefinite peri
cd and that Socialism was at a stand
still and the Socialists could never gain
control OF the government. He declared
that the ground for this view was the
was content with conditions as they ex-
listed. because there were almost no large
fortunes to excite envy, the great ma
jority Of the voters being farmers of
moderate means, and nearly all OF them
Republicans In politics. The strength of
ing districts Of the country. which were
not extensive,
Mr. Brun, who is at the New Grand
hotel, declared that he was greatly
pleased with his observations made dur
Ing a ride about the city, speaking par
ticularly OF the modernity OF the new
buildings. the fine appearance of the
view from the foothills overlooking the
valley. He leaves at o'clock this morn
ing en- route TO New York; from where
he will sail for France.