New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-09
WASHINGTON.

INTERNATIONAL METRIC COMMISSION.
TIE UNITED STATES TO BE REPRESENTED AT THE
CONVENTION.
IRON THE REGULAR CORRESPONDENT or THE TRIBUNE ]
WASHINGTON, June 1.-THE International
Metric Commission provided for by the convention
signed in Paris on May 20 by the representatives OF all
the Powers which participated in the conference IL not
likely to meet and organic before the Spring Of 1876
The object OF the Conference TO provide for the
Enlistment Of international bureau Of weights and
measures for the purpose Of perpetuating forever with
out change the basic units Of the metric system and the
distribution Of authenticated copies Of the prototype
standards BY the terms Of the Convention the time
within which members of the International Commission
might be appointed was limited to months from the
date Of the convention, May 20, 1875 This time will
probably be extended 1t will be necessary to have
legislative action the part Of certain nations before
their representatives can be appointed and in majority
Of the national parliaments do not meet until
Winter.
The Secretary Of State is now in correspon-
dence with representatives OF other nations on
the subject Of the Metric system, and it
believed by those interested that while the policy Of
Secretary Fish to make haste slowly the United States
will be properly represented in the Commission. Such
men Prof. Barnard Of Columbia College, NewYOrk,
Prof Hgard Of the United States Coast Survey and Mr.
Elliott of the United States Treasury Department who
have studied the subject thoroughly deprecatc undue
they are firmly convinced that the Metric system
possesses very great advantages the now in
1t ia moro simple and comprehensive than the old
system and better adapted to the wants of business
The action Of Germany Immediately after its victory
France and upon its assumption Of the powers OF an
Empire In adopting the French Metric system Of weights
and measures. and making the adoption OF the system
compulsory. Is not thought to have been wise by the
advocates Of the system In this country. They object
to the compulsory feature OF the pan and there has been
some pretty sharp correspondence between American
scientists and the officials Of the German Empire charged
with The introduction OF the system.
What the leading men in our country interested IN the
subject desire Is to educate the people gradually 20 full
acquaintanceship with the system With this end I'm
view the Neurological Society organized Its adO
ton by the officers OF the United States Coast Survey in
OF that Bureau Of the practical utility Of the system
It's Use Is strong urged for the Customs service or
the country. Congress In 1866 approved the system IN
far as To legaZe all contracts made under IT, Those
Prof Charles Davies takes strong grounds against Its
Introduction into the United States and IL IL believed
that his eminent position and his influence with the state
Department may explain the policy OF the Government
to delay action In the matter.
The Metric SYSTEM which had its origin in France
has since been adopted by Germany SPAIN OF the
gal Austria British India, Denmark. Greece Mexico and
switzerland Its adoption not far of in Great Britain
II has been cgalZcd there well as in the United States
Memorials have been presented TO Congress asking Its
both sides OF the subject by literary aud scientific
men, with majority in favor OF the Introduction OF the
system.
The organization Of the International Bureau i. there
FORE attracting considerable attention. aud II IL believed
that the result O the spondcncc going be-
the Secretary Of state and other Powers will be 10
modify the entered into at the conference in
Paris on the 10th u that the time may he extended
In which TO appoint representatives. Congress VIII then
have the opportunity OF approving or dSappr0N ing or the
results OF the ConyentlOns CONCLUSIONS.