240 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



printed about four years in advance. The year 191G is suggested as the 

 most convenient date to make the change, because it could then most 

 easily, — almost imperceptibly — be effected. 



That is within the measurable distance of time which inquiries from 

 the best authorities indicate as a practicable limit within which this 

 earnestly desired reform can be accomplished by the united efforts of 

 friends of progress. It is therefore submitted for your thoughtful con- 

 sideration, in order that we may be able to participate in the benefits 

 that thus can be won for humanity during our lives. 



Although the success of this movement does not depend upon public 

 debate, it is of practical interest to everyone and will prove a fruitful 

 and profitable subject for discussion. 



The main question you are asked to consider is, how far it may 

 he made practicable during the next few years, by wise concerted action, 

 to remove existing difficulties now developing from almanac anomalies f 

 not only in Christian countries, but throughout the world, wherein 

 humanity could so largely be benefitted by a simple universal almanac 

 all could most easily adopt for mutual advantages^ like " Standard 

 Time," the benefits of which we are daily realizing. 



One way by which you can materially help the movement is by the 

 discussion of almanac reform in your Journal, and advocacy of such 

 reform as you collectively consider is the best. 



The greatest works of the pyramid building nations of Egypt, 

 Assyria, Mexico, etc., were erected to supply almanac needs. Let us 

 complete their stupendous labours and solve the problem now. 



The time is ripe for united action, now whilst peace and good vnW 

 permeates the nations and the spirit of reform prevails. 



Prompt and decisive action is advisable to favourably impress 

 statesmen and the leaders of nations now that the subject has grown 

 beyond the scope of individuals. 



Neither the Bill before the British Parliament for Reform in the 

 year 1912, nor the one before the German Parliament, nor the changes 

 proposed by Eussia, Greece, Japan, etc., can be wisely made until an 

 International Conference carefully decides what is best for the mutual 

 good-will and development of all nations. 



As to whether that conference should be held at the Temple of 

 Peace in Holland, or amidst the cosmopolitan populations now uniting 

 in America, or elsewhere, national diplomacy through our ambassadors 

 will decide. There may be competition liotwecn the govemrpents as to 

 which will first invite that assemblage to maturely consider the various 

 plans for reform then proposed, and adopt whatever the combined wisdom 

 of those national representatives finds to be best, from any nation. 



