62 UiflVERSAL Ola COSMIC TtME. 



iiig ill longitude would difier only by entire houvs. In all other 

 respects Standard time in eveiy longitude and latitude would be in 

 perfect agreement. In theory eV^ery clock in the world would indi- 

 cate some one of the tv/enty-four hours at the same instant, and 

 there would be perfect sychronisni 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 ; 

 eacli local day would have a fixed relation to the others, and all 

 would be governed by the position of the sun 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 standai'd 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 f avoui-ably consider the resolution.s which I have now the 

 honour to submit. 



RESOLUTIONS. 



Resolved — 1. That the unification of initial Meridians of i-eference 

 for computing longitude is of great importance in the interests of 

 geography and navigation. 



liesolved—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 

 to 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. 



