— -''-~ 
EIGHTH ORDINARY MEETING. fist 
recently recognized. In the course of years the prejudices en- 
gendered by inherited customs will be greatly modified, and the 
-masses will gradually have their minds familiarized with new ideas. 
Tt is a significant fact that the principles of the new system should 
be unanimously recommended by delegates from all civilized nations. 
I do not doubt that the several peoples they represent will sooner or 
later understand that one uniform reckoning of time for every pur- 
pose throughout the globe is the only rational system, and the one 
notation which in coming years will properly meet the necessities 
and requirements of mankind. 
In these remarks I have narrated the events which have taken 
place on both sides of the Atlantic to influence and determine the 
conclusions which, a few weeks back, the President submitted to the 
Congress of the United States.. 
On this occasion I cannot think that I am entirely wrong when I 
venture to congratulate the Canadian Institute on the part which it 
has taken in the solution of this problem. It stands among the 
Societies who first considered this comparatively new question. In- 
deed, it may be claimed that the Institute is to some extent the 
pioneer Society in awakening the world to the advantages to be 
derived from the establishment of Cosmic Time.. 
In conclusion, I will avail myself of the words of an early Presi- 
dent of the of the Institute, whose portrait for more than thirty 
years has adorned the hall in which we are now assembled. Refer- 
ring to the results already effected in Time-reform and the prospects 
for the future, General Sir Henry Lefroy, in his address at the 
late meeting of the British Association in Montreal, remarked : 
“* Whether we conceive its educational tendency or its influence on 
future intercourse of unborn millions, it is a somewhat remarkable 
evidence that agreement upon questions of general concern is not 
that unattainable thing which we are apt to consider it.” 
Questions as to the effect of the proposed change were put 
by Mr. Notman, Mr. Murray and Mr. Macdougall, and 
answered by Mr. Fleming. Mr. Carpmael referred to the 
Spanish translation of Mr. Fleming’s previous papers. Dr. 
Meredith congratulated the Institute on its having taken the 
initial proceedings. The President also made some remarks 
on the subject. 
