Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 14.djvu/783

Rh necessary than was sufficient to furnish the standard weights and measures adopted for government use.

"Respecting the last inquiry submitted by the resolution, 'What objections there are, if any, to making the metrical system obligatory in all transactions between individuals, and what is the earliest date that can be set for the obligatory use of the metrical system throughout the United States?' the department is unable to give a definite answer, inasmuch as it is not informed as to the present intention of the English speaking peoples in regard to the adoption of the proposed change. However desirable or advantageous in theory the change might seem, if adopted by us and not by the other peoples speaking the English language, it would seem probable that a mutual disadvantage would exist growing out of diverse weights and measures.

"It may be assumed that a more general intercourse will exist between peoples speaking a common language than between peoples who speak different languages. And looking at the present geographical extent of the countries wherein the English language is used, and the importance of their commercial intercourse, and also its future importance, as compared with any other of the spoken languages, at a period not at all remote, if regarded historically, it would seem to be of doubtful expediency to separate ourselves from what is now common in weights and measures with other people who speak our language, and with whom it is desirable to increase rather than diminish our commercial intercourse. Experience would indicate that we should hold ourselves in accord with them, rather than adopt other standards, however theoretically advantageous, for it will be impossible to escape many practical disadvantages if our standards vary from theirs, so long as our intercourse shall continue."

The Postmaster-General reports as follows: "In reply to the request contained in the resolution of the House of Representatives, I have to say that the only objections to making the use of the metric system of weights and measures obligatory throughout the domestic postal service, which occur to me as having been made or as likely to be made, are two: one based on the expense incident to the change of systems, and the other based on an apprehension that the practical workings of a new system will fail to give satisfaction, owing to the lack of knowledge of the metric system and experience in its use and application on the part of postmasters and of the public at large.

"In order to ascertain the probable force of the first objection, I have caused an estimate to be made of the probable number, grade, and cost of the balances and scales of the metric system which should be provided to take the place of those now in use in case a change is ordered. The estimate is that the sum of $124,788 would be called for as an immediate outlay to provide for the change.

"In regard to the second objection, it is not to be denied that the metric system of weights and measures corresponds in principle with