770 THE POPULAR SCIENCE MONTHLY. 



metrical system may be by reason of its decimal character, its symmetry, 

 and its consequent simplicity," 



The Paymaster-General reports : " I believe that the eventual in- 

 troduction into common use of the metrical system is highly desirable, 

 and is fast becoming still more necessary in our intercourse with foreign 

 nations, especially if it is destined, as seems likely, to pervade the 

 world. The great objects attained by it will be, fixed standards, uni- 

 formity, and the extension of the decimal system, found so useful in 

 our money standards. 



" I am satisfied that it will be advisable to begin first with legislation 

 making the metric system obligatory in certain (not in all) gOA^ernment 

 transactions. In the collection of customs, in the postal system, and in 

 fixing the rates of coinage, and in all international transactions, it should 

 now be made obligatory from the 1st of July, 1879. I do not recom- 

 mend its adoption in the land system, and in purchases for the army 

 and navy, and for the Government, at so early a date. 



" By this first proposed legislation, a stimulus would be given for 

 the system being taught in all the schools. Thus in six years the rising 

 generation would be initiated and accustomed to it. It would be time 

 enough then for legislation making its use obligatory in all remaining 

 government transactions. 



" After a full trial of these measures the people might be prepared 

 for its voluntary introduction in domestic transactions, and for legisla- 

 tion making it obligatory. But it is desirable that there should be no 

 premature legislation of this last-named character, creating discontent 

 and an unfortunate repeal of untimely laws enacted in advance of pub- 

 lic sentiment. The preliminary measures referred to would prepare 

 the public mind gradually for final legislation." 



The Chief of Engineers reports : " The resolution presents two main 

 inquiries : first, as to the adoption of the metric system in the govern- 

 ment offices ; and, secondly, as to its adoption in transactions between 

 individuals. 



" So far as the proposed change would affect the works carried on 

 under charge of the officers of the Corps of Engineers, it need only be 

 said that while any change in the ordinary and accepted standards must 

 be an inconvenience, yet there is no other reason why the change should 

 not be made, provided sufficient time is given for preparation. It is 

 thought that the French metric standards should not be adopted, to the 

 exclusion of the present standards, in this office within a less interval of 

 time than five years after the passage of the act. This limit is fixed as 

 the minimum, in order to allow for the proper careful manufacture, 

 comparison, and distribution of standards, and their duplication in 

 various forms for ordinary use, for the necessary changes in tables and 

 formulae, and more especially to allow a sufficient interval of time dur- 

 ing which a practical familiarity with the new standards may be ac- 

 quired, particularly by those with whom the business of the engineer 



