Haussmann

Haussmann, GEORGE EUGÈNE, who as prefect of the Seine did so much for the improvement and embellishment of Paris between 1853 and 1870, was born in that city on 27th March 1809. Entering the public service under Louis-Philippe, he distinguished himself in various parts of France, and under Napoleon III. rose to be prefect of the Seine (1853). Then it was that he began his task of improving the outward appearance of Paris by widening streets, laying out boulevards and parks, building sewers, barracks, bridges, and similar public works. For these great services he was made baron and senator. But the heavy financial burdens (£35,000,000) which these improvements laid upon the citizens was the cause of Haussmann's dismissal from office in 1870. In the following year he was, however, appointed director of the Crédit Mobilier, and in 1881 was elected a member of the Chamber of Deputies. 'Haussmannizing' has become a term for the reckless destruction of ancient buildings to make way for new streets. See his Mémoires by Havard (4 vols. 1890 et seq.). He died 11th January 1891.