Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 14.djvu/790

770 metrical system may be by reason of its decimal character, its symmetry, and its consequent simplicity."

The Paymaster-General reports: "I believe that the eventual introduction into common use of the metrical system is highly desirable, and is fast becoming still more necessary in our intercourse with foreign nations, especially if it is destined, as seems likely, to pervade the world. The great objects attained by it will be, fixed standards, uniformity, and the extension of the decimal system, found so useful in our money standards.

"I am satisfied that it will be advisable to begin first with legislation making the metric system obligatory in certain (not in all) government transactions. In the collection of customs, in the postal system, and in fixing the rates of coinage, and in all international transactions, it should now be made obligatory from the 1st of July, 1879. I do not recommend its adoption in the land system, and in purchases for the army and navy, and for the Government, at so early a date.

"By this first proposed legislation, a stimulus would be given for the system being taught in all the schools. Thus in six years the rising generation would be initiated and accustomed to it. It would be time enough then for legislation making its use obligatory in all remaining government transactions.

"After a full trial of these measures the people might be prepared for its voluntary introduction in domestic transactions, and for legislation making it obligatory. But it is desirable that there should be no premature legislation of this last-named character, creating discontent and an unfortunate repeal of untimely laws enacted in advance of public sentiment. The preliminary measures referred to would prepare the public mind gradually for final legislation."

The Chief of Engineers reports: "The resolution presents two main inquiries: first, as to the adoption of the metric system in the government offices; and, secondly, as to its adoption in transactions between individuals.

"So far as the proposed change would affect the works carried on under charge of the officers of the Corps of Engineers, it need only be said that while any change in the ordinary and accepted standards must be an inconvenience, yet there is no other reason why the change should not be made, provided sufficient time is given for preparation. It is thought that the French metric standards should not be adopted, to the exclusion of the present standards, in this office within a less interval of time than five years after the passage of the act. This limit is fixed as the minimum, in order to allow for the proper careful manufacture, comparison, and distribution of standards, and their duplication in various forms for ordinary use, for the necessary changes in tables and formulæ, and more especially to allow a sufficient interval of time during which a practical familiarity with the new standards may be acquired, particularly by those with whom the business of the engineer