The Hawaiian gazette., 1871-06-21
welghts. Mea-ure.. and Coln-.

The origin of the metric system in Europe
dates as far back the reign of Louis NV.
when the inconvenience and confusion arising
from the variety OF weights and measures in
France were so strongly felt. that Royal Com
mission was appointed to investigate the question,
and report on some suitable standard. In 1890.
NJ. Taleyrand presented report on the uniform
ity Of weights and measures and it was decided
that the CO cooperation of England should be in
vited in establishing an international system.
! Political complications however arose and nine
years elapsed before a standard metre and
standard kilogam were approved by the Corps
Legislatif, and they have ever since been pre-
served in the Archives of the State at Paris
Not until 1887, was the metrical system conclu-
sively adopted in France. Again ten years had
elapsed when, consequent on the establishment
OF universal xhibitiGns-inaugurate by that Of
| London in 1851, which was followed by that of
Paris in lS55-the attention of scientific, as well
as practical men Of business was directed to this
matter. Action was also taken by the Statistical
| Congresses assembled in Brussels and in Paris in
1858 and 1855, in favor Of international uniform
ity; AID subsequently an international assoca-
tion was formed, composed Of members chosen
from different countries, who should devote
themselves to the establishment of the desired
uniformity.
In the year 1885, the imperial system of
weights and measures was established by law in
England. Since then, no other system was
legalized until lS64. when by Act OF Parliament,
the use of the metric system was made permis-
sive, and it is now, conformity with the imperial
system, in use throughout the United Kingdom
Since the passing Of this Act there has not
been any further legislation on this subject, but
Royal Commission has borne testimony to the
progress OF public opinion in favor Of the metric
system of weights and measures, and to its in
creasiug use in scientific researches, and in the
practice of accurate chemistry and engineering
construction. There has been a subsequent
report, dated 1st February. 1870, but this has
reference solely to troy weight still partially in
use, but the abolition of which Is strongly recon-
mended. In their report of the 3D. April 1862
the Royal Commissioners base their conclusions
in favor of the metric system upon several con-
sderatOns, one of which is the general adoption
OF this system in many countries both in Europe
and other parts of the world. In support of this
statement, it has been ascertained that the
countries where the metric system has been
wholly adopted contain a population of lac
millions the countries in which partly adopted.
lS3 millions and countres-viz., United King
dom, United States, Prussia, and North Ger
many-where it is permissive contain 90 millions
making total of upwards of 400 millions
In 1867, the British Government was invited
by the French Government to depute commits
sioners to attend conference at Paris of repre-
sentatiyes of various States, for the purpose of
deliberating on the best means Of securing a
common basis for the adoption Of general inter |
national coinage Since that time, some progress
has been made by the respective Governments
towards attaining the much-desired object. by /
establishing complete equality of value between
the sovereign and the 25-franc gold piece which /
it is proposed to coin in France. The following |
extract from a speech of the present Chancellor /
of the Exchequer. on the 9th of August, 1869, |
will best explain how the question then stood
" The French are proposing to coin 25-franc
gold piece-fve francs more than the Napoleon.
That would be less in value than the sovereign |
by % centmes, or about 3D. If We were to t
impose a seigniorage of about l per ceut and
take gold to that amount form the coin. our
sovereign would be identical with the 25-franc
piece. 1t would still remain as current coin in .
this country, of exactly the same value as now,
and it would have the additional advantage that
it would be identical with the 25-franc piece 1t
is singular to remark what a number of COINS in
the world approach one another in value-the
Spanish dOubloon, the Prussian Frederick, the l
half eagle Of America-and it appears to me
that, by single measure, as proposed, we may
secure the great benefit of saving all expenses
on our own gold coinage, and, at the same time,
of striking a coir which would have the advan-
tage of an international circulation - Trade
Journal