Metternich's View of the Taming of the City

Here in Austria, under my conservative influence, I have been very impressed with the improvements in western Europe and I am very happy about them. For years, the disgusting state of Europe's cities were horrible for the economy and the health of our people, and if they remained nothing good could possibly have come out of it. There would have likely been various reforms and revolts to improve conditions, whether they be living (maybe demanding more space), traveling (easier travel), and probably healthier and cleanlier conditions in general (even I must admit that the excess of sewage and drainage in the open public is disgusting). Thankfully, the groundbreaking developments of the German, French, and British scientits have possibly found new discoveries to prevent illnesses. A healthier population can only be good for a country. I would also like to congratulate the baron Georges Haussmann, for some excellent work that he did on Paris. He has impoved conditions in almost every way, and already Vienna is following that city's example of tearing down old walled fortifications to be replaced by broad, circular boulevards on which new buildings can be built. Something I particularly like is the way he plans his broad streets, to make it more difficult to construct revolutionary or rebelling defenses. I hope that one day these vast improvements can fully be excercised in Austria.

-Prince Metternich