EIGHTH ORDINARY MEETING. - 77 



recently recognized. In the course of years the prejudices en- 

 gendered by inherited customs will be greatly modified, and the 

 masses will gradiially have their minds familiarized with new ideas. 

 It 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 

 a.nd 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 Pi^esident 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, Genei-al Sir Henry Lefroy, in his address at the 

 late meeting oi' 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 concex'n is not 

 that vinattainable 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. 

 Metedith congratulated the Institute on its having taken the 

 initial proceedings. . The President also made some remarks 

 on the subject. 



