62 UNIVERSAL OR COSMIC TIME, 
ing in longitude would differ only by entire hours. In all other 
respects Standard time in every longitude and latitude would be in 
perfect agreement. In theory every clock in the world would indi- 
cate some one of the twenty-four hours at the same instant, and 
there would be perfect sychronism with the minutes and seconds 
everywhere around the globe. 
By the system proposed, instead of an infinite and confusing num- 
ber of local days following the sun during each diurnal revolution of 
the earth, we should have twenty-four well defined local days only ; 
each local day would have a fixed relation to the others, and all 
would be governed by the position of the stn in respect to the Prime 
Meridian. These twenty-four local days would succeed each other 
at intervals of one hour during each successive diurnal revolution of 
the globe. The day of each locality would be known by the letter 
or other designation of its standard Meridian, and the general con- 
fusion and ambiguity which I have set forth as the consequences of 
the present system would cease to exist. 
Some such system as that proposed is imperatively demanded in 
America. It cannot be doubted that the general adoption of the 
scheme portrayed would be conducive to the convenience of all man- 
kind. The first step towards its introduction is the selection of an 
initial Meridian for the world. Accordingly I feel justified in ask- 
ing you to favourably consider the resolutions which I have now the 
honour to submit. 
RESOLUTIONS. 
Resolved—\. That the unification of initial Meridians of reference 
for computing longitude is of great importance in the interests of 
geography and navigation. 
Resolved—-2. That the selection of a Zero-meridian for the world 
would greatly promote the cause of general uniformity and exactness 
in Time-reckoning. 
Resolved—3. That in the interests of all mankind it is eminently 
desirable that civilized nations should come to an agreement with 
respect to the determination of a common Prime Meridian, and a 
system of universal Time-reckoning. 
Resolved—4. That the Governments of different countries be 
appealed to immediately after the close of Congress, with the view 
of ascertaining if they would be disposed to assist in the matter by 
nominating persons to confer with each other and endeavour to reach 
a conclusion which they would recommend their respective Govern- 
ments to adopt. 
Resolved—5. That in view of the representations which have come 
+o this Congress from America it is suggested that a Conference of 
Delegates who may be appointed by the different Governments be 
held in the City of Washington, and that the Conference open on 
the first Monday in May, 1882. 
