It became necessary, of course, to
conform all my calculations to that standard -- an operation which
has been retarded by my other occupations.
These circumstances will, I hope, apologize for the delay which
has attended the execution of the order of the House; and, perhaps, a
disposition on their part to have due regard for the proceedings of
other nations, engaged on the same subject, may induce them still to
defer deciding ultimately on it till their next session. Should this
be the case, and should any new matter occur in the meantime, I shall
think it my duty to communicate it to the House, as supplemental to
the present report.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most profound
respect,
Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.
The Secretary of State, to whom was referred, by the House of
Representatives, to prepare and report a proper plan or plans for
establishing uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the
United States, in obedience thereto, makes the following report: --
To obtain uniformity in measures, weights, and coins, it is
necessary to find some measure of invariable length, with which, as a
standard, they may be compared.
There exists not in nature, as far as has been hitherto
observed, a single subject or species of subject, accessible to man,
which presents one constant and uniform dimension.
Pages:
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114