New-York tribune., 1902-03-15
THE METRIC SYSTEM.

The bill now before Congress in relation TO
the adoption of the metric system in this coun-
try was recently criticised by special commit
tee of the American Society of Mechanical En-
gineers, the suppOsition that the measure
would render existing standards of weights and
measures illegal. and would invalidate contracts
based on the same. This protest appears to
have resulted from a misapprehension. Mr..
Southard, chairman of the House Committee on
Coinage Weights and Measures, has elected an
opinion on the subject from the Attorney Gen
eral Of the United States, who wrote after a
careful examination of the bill. Mr.. Knox de-
clares that the law would be compulsory only
upon the various departments of the govern
ment. He is doubtful about the power of Con-
gress TO forbid the use of the old standards by
the general public. However that may be,
though, he is satisfied that the particular piece
of legislation now in view would not have that
effect
The only other serious objection that has been
raised is that the innovation would be ex-
pensive to certain large manufacturing estab-
lishments. This is met TO great extent of
course, by the fact that the Introduction Of
the metric system by such concerns will be alto
gether optional. Still, 1t is the belief of Director
Stratton of the National Bureau OF Standards
that an erroneous impression prevails in regard
to the cost of the change. There are two
classes of manufacturers to be considered, he
says. One produces wires, tubes, bars and
plates and, on adopting the metric system of
measures, must make notifications of the dies
and gauges now used. But since it is already
customary TO do so, to meet special orders, the
practice is no novelty and involves no hardship.
AS for the second class of manufacturers, those
who produce machinery, no change whatever
will be required in the big and costly features
of their plant-lathes, planers and milling ma
chimes. The reform will affect only what are
known as small tools"-des. taps, reamers
and templets. Mr.. Stratton is convinced that
an exaggerated idea of the expense of this
fresh equipment Of a machine shop is generally
entertained.
Inasmuch the use of the metric system is
already permissible, and the bill which has Just
been reported favorably to the House does not
make 1t compulsory so far as private citizens
are concerned what good result will the pro-
posed law accomplish? BY requiring it's adoption
by the government and by formally pronounc-
ing 1t "the legal standard" the enactment will
give to the system a prestige which it has
never before enjoyed. A distinct stimulus TO its
popularity will be impaired BY degrees the
new standards have been coming into use in
high grade machine shops and laboratories all
over the country. One of the best known adj
vocates of the change, for instance, is the super
intendent of the Baldwin locomotive works in
Philadelphia. Progress has been slow. how
ever thus far, and it is desirable to hasten
matters. American manufacturers who have
been backward in this matter but who cherish
hopes of selling their wares abroad should
wake up to the fact that nearly all Of the for
eign countries in which they are likely to find
patronage have already adopted the metric sys-
tenn. There are other good reasons for assim-
Hating the standards of this country to those of
the world, but trade considerations alone Justify
the revolution. 1t is important that the change
be voluntary and gradual, not obligatory and
abrupt. Within those limitations, though, the
sooner It comes the better.