"Narore" of the 9th of January says—The Editor of Nature" hus received a list of 172 members of Parliament who have notified their approval of the compulsory adoption of the metric system of weights and measures into Great Britain, and have promised to give their support to any measure brought forward with this end in view. It is pointed out that, in the interests of our foreign trade, it is most desirable that we should at once carry this: reform into effect, as the constantly reiterated statements of British Consuls prove that much trade is lost, because our system of weights and measures is not understood in countries where the metric system is in force. In Australia, Canada, and Cape Colony the change would be welcomed; and secing how easily so serious an impediment to commerce can be removed, it is hoped that the Government will give more attention to the subject in the coming session of Parliament than it has so far done.
Wo may add that the Committee appointed by the British Association for the advancement of science, to report upon the teaching of elementary mathematics, say: "It is generally admitted that we schoolmasters have a duty to perform towards the metric system; this is best di charged by providing each boy with a centimetre scale and giving them exercises in verifying geometrical propositions by measurement." The duty meant is that of not allowing English boys to remain totally ignorant of the metric system.
We learn from the "Standard" that at the 42nd annual meeting of the Association of the Chambers of Commerce of the United Kingdom, to be held in London in the early part of this month the subjects that were to be discussed include every topic of interest to the commercial world, and representatives will be present from Chambers of Commerce in every district of Great Britain and Ireland.—On behalf, of the London Chamber a Resolution was to be submitted, to the effect that his Majesty's Government be urged, in the interests commerce, that, before recognising transference of territory by any Power, they should insist on the adoption of the policy of the "open door," and should invite the ce-operation of other States who are similarly interested with this country in maintaining existing rights. Recognising the importance of a trade route to China, the Liverpool Chamber were to urge the adoption of the following proposition "That this Chamber is of opinion that the Mandalay-Kunlon Railway should beextended without delay to the frontiers of China, and that the project for the construction of 8 line or lines in connection therewith to diplomatic and financial support of his Yunnan and Szuchuan should receive the
jesty's Government and the Government of India; or if any other way of approach by rail to the Chinese Provinces named be preferred by the British and Indian Governments, this Association would ask that a similar mesure of support should be given to the contractors of any suitable railway by such route." The Halifax Chamber were to biggest the appointment of a Royal Commission to consider the possibility of increasing and strengthening the trade relations between the different portions of the Empire. No fewer than three Chambers—Leeds, Edinburgh, and Sunderland—had placed down Resolutions on the subject of Parliamentary procedure, they desir-dispatch of public business, and thus permit ing some reform which will facilitate the
of legislation in the interests of commerce. Quite a number of postal and telegraphic matters were to be dealt with, the suggestions being made that telegrams should be cheap ened, that underground wires should adopted, s0 as to prevent the interruption and disorganization of telegraphic communication; and that additional and improved gables should be established between the United Kingdom and the Continent.
Is the private shipbuilding yards of Japan, the industry is, says " Engineering," being fostered by a subsidy of £2 per gross ton on all ships exceeding 1,000 tons, with a somewhat less sum for ships between 700 and 1,000 tons, and a further subsidy of 10s. per indicated horse-power of propulsive machinery. Whether from patriotic motives or the stimulus of these subsidies, the private shipbuilders are, indeed, bestirring themselves and seeking to bring their works, their employes and themselves, into line with the best modern practice. Dealing first with the Government dockyards, the three principal esta. blishments are: One at Yokosuka, in the Bay of Tokio; one at Kure, in the Inland Sea; an' one at Sasebo, on the west side of the island of Kyushu. They are all equipped for repairs rather than for new work, and in this respect form rather a contrast with private yards. Whatever her ambition may be, there is at present no sign that Japan is preparing to build her own battleships or large eruiisers. Ax enumerated in "Engineering," there are a large number of graving docks. There is no doubt that the Japanese gentlemen holding the highest positions at these Government dockyards would be only too glad to be allowed to extend the plant and to be entrusted with larger work; they have all had European or American exrienco in the superintendence of japanese warships built abroad, and are Keen observers of advances made elsewhere. Under present conditions, however, it is to the private shipyards that one must look for the eatest advances in machines and methods, and the closest approach to modern practice. As with the Government yards, so too with the private: repair work has in the first instance engaged most attention, the building of new ships being an adjunct encouraged and fostered (in some cases called into being) by the—subsidies obtainable. At present there are some five principal private shipyards, respectively situated Nagasaki, at Kobe, at Osaka, and two at Uraga. Wages, continues " Engineering," are low compared with other countries, a sum equal to Is. 8d. per day being a good day's wage for a skilled mechanic low though they appear, they are said to be nearly double what they were before the late war. Piecework is not common.
The average time worked is sixty hours a week; Sunday is usually a holiday; when work is urgent the Sunday holiday is foregone, and wages paid the same as for other days. In some districts Sunday work appears to be the general rule, but in them two days a month, determined by their local importance, are observed as holidays. At Nagakasi, Baron Iwasaki has devised and adopted 'a method of supplying his works with suitable apprentices, which seems both farsighted and public-spirited. At an initial cost of some £5,00¥, and an annual expenditure of £500 or more, he has established a school for the education of boys, principally the sons of his workmen, between the ages of twelve years and seventeen.
Tur "National Review" contains an article by Max Nordau on "Continental Anglophobia." He sums up the causes of European hatred of the English as partly historical, partly personal.
"The Englishman is hated to some extent for his faults, but far more by reason of his merits, His unpopularity is the result of his vigorous actions and his great success, and he could have avoided it only if at every turning point of his history he had, instead of defeating his enemies, allowed himself to be defeated by them."
The distinguished writer goes or that the Boer war is not the ori Anglophobia, but an opportunity for demonstrating it. A foreigner has no need to inform himself about the interests which the Englishman is vindicating in South Africa; and he does not.
After " page of philosophising on the question of international sympathies and hates, M. Nordau concludes "If you are strong you have no cause to fear foreign antipathy; if you are feeble you have nothing to expect from the sympathy of others. Therefore, the important thing is to be strong, and not strive to win the sympathy of foreign nations."—' Hongkong Daily Pres Tue Bureau Veritas Monthly List, published on the Ast of January, of wrecks and casualties recorded in November last, announces that 108 sailing vessels reported as totally lost; 6 4 by collision, one by fire; while 8 foundered, wd, 10 were condemned, and one was mi No less than riy vessels wer by collision, 8 by fire, 0 by stress of weather, ly lost were by collision, 3 by 3 foundered, one was 6 were condemned, and one w: The steamers dam Never Desrare of being able to overcome the troubles of this world, for they will di appear like dew before the sun if we only ook them squarely in the IE yon are afflicted with any boilily disease, give Holloway's Pills and Ointment a ti they will afford speedy relief, and in time effect a cure, They are the best known remedies for all complaints, During the summer months many people areafllicted with bowel and liver disorders, diarrhea, dysentery, colic, low fevers, ete. These remedies are unequaled in such cases, aad should therefore he the Valle Mecum of all who value sound health, They may be procured irom all chemists and medicine vendors,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.