SUPPLEMENTARY PAPERS. 97 
interfere with the system followed by astronomers. That astronomers 
would quietly remain in their old customs without grieving them- 
selves as to the arrangement of a matter indifferent to them. Ata 
period when everything tends to the simplification of reciprocal 
relationships, it must appear to us desirable that the numeration of 
date differing from the rest of the world, must also be abandoned by 
astronomers, and indeed for the greater reason, that in modern times 
the mission of many observatories is not simply to subserve scientific 
purposes, but also to unite with them matters of practical utility. 
The latter are thrown into active communication with the outer world, 
which, with a double notation of the date, would be much prejudiced. 
The sixth resolution of the Washington congress, with regard to Time 
Notation, unanimously voted, which expresses the hope that as soon 
as it appear practicable to carry out the principle, astronomers and 
navigators should introduce into their practice the principle of dating 
the day from midnight, carries this view. The Russian delegates 
joined in this strongly felt hope ; although, in the instructions given 
to them, this question had not been mooted. 
The seventh resolution, submitted according to the wish of Herr 
Janssen [recommendation, that the studies over the Decimal Divi- 
sion of Angles and Time should be resumed] intrinsically stands in 
no relationship with the propositions which were submitted to the 
Washington conference, and was from the first declared by the 
President as not coming within its powers. But a majority of those 
present, out of regard to the French delegates, and out of considera- 
tion for the indirect form in which the resolution was set forth, 
declared that it was permissible to vote upon it. Accordingly, 
without further discussion, it was almost unanimously accepted. 
It is now asked by everybody, whether there is any prospect that 
the Washington Resolutions will come into operation, and by what 
means that result may be attained? In fact they are to be regarded 
principally as an authoritive expression of men enjoying public con- 
fidence in the different countries whose Governments in no way have 
pledged themselves unconditionally to accept the Resolutions and to 
give them the force of law. It, however, can be foreseen, that sustained 
by these important expressions of opinion, the logic of facts, and the 
necessity for the realization of these resolutions will possibly in no 
distant time lead to that result. Therefore, naturally it comes to be 
pre-eminently a duty for those who in the different countries are in 
the position to exercise influence in this direction, to make this influ- 
ence felt in the sphere of their labours. 
It may be considered as certain that the use of the Greenwich 
Meridian for Cartography and the numeration of Longitude will 
shortly, and without dfficulties being created, be introduced into all 
countries. In this matter, the organs of the Governments of the three 
most widely extended countries, Russia, Great Britain, and the 
