SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS. 67 
an International Conference will be assembled to examine the problem 
which we jhave studied. 
It may now be permitted us to express the wish that the Italian 
Government will encourage and support the above alluded-to reunion. 
All civilized nations are under plain obligations to science, but Italy, 
from her scientific traditions, more particularly so. The country of 
Columbus and Galileo ought never to forget herself, and it will be no 
trivial honour to Italy, as indeed to all civilized nations, to sanction 
a reform of so much interest to science and navigation. 
Whether one initial Meridian or another be adopted, is of second- 
ary importance. What is essential is that all should agree in their 
decision, and all who are interested in the progress of science and 
civilization should strive for this result. We predict that in a short 
time it will be accomplished. 
REPORT ON THE WASHINGTON INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 
BY MR. SANDFORD FLEMING, DELEGATE OF GREAT BRITAIN 
REPRESENTING THE DOMINION OF CANADA. 
Orrawa, 3lst, Decembem, 1884. 
The Hon. J. A. Chapleau, Secretary of State, Canada : 
Sir,—I have the honour to report for the information of His Ex- 
cellency the Governor-General in Council, the proceedings of the 
International Conference held at Washington, for the purpose of 
determining a Prime Meridian and establishing a Universal Day. 
I should have done so earlier, but I have only within the past few 
days received copies of the Protocols of the proceedings, in French 
and English, to place in your hands. 
The Conference was held in October last. Delegates assembled 
representing twenty-five nationalities, viz.:—Austria, Hungary, 
Brazil, Chili, Columbia, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Great Brit- 
ain, Guatemala, Hawaii, Italy, Japan, Liberia, Mexico, the Nether- 
lands, Paraguay, Russia, San Domingo, Turkey, Venezuela, the 
United States, St. Salvador. 
It was attended by myself as a delegate of Great Britain appointed 
to represent the Dominion of Canada. 
The following gentlemen were also present on the part of Great 
Britain :— 
1. Captain Sir F. J. O. Evans, Royal Navy. 
2. Professor J. C. Adams, Director of Cambridge University. 
3. Lieutenant-General Strachey, member of the Council of India. 
The Delegates assembled upon the invitation of the President of 
the United States. They met in Conference in the Diplomatic Hall 
