Rather to the surprise of its friends, Mr. Ewart's Bill
for the introduction of a decimal system of weights and measures, based on French standards, passed its second reading in the Lower House by 110 to 75. The object of the Bill, stripped of technicalities, was to make the use of French weights and. measures now spreading over the Continent imperative in England in three years ; but on Mr. Gibson's remonstrance- the mover agreed to make it only permissive. The Bill,. which is discussed in another place, was supported by Mr. Adderley and Mr. Cobden, and in principle by Mr. Gibson, and is known to have the adhesion of all Chamb2rs of C mem. It is opposed by the Times, and requires an education on the part of the people, who as yet do not even comprehend what a metrical system is. Talk of it in a village, and half the population will grin vacantly, while the parish clerk informs you that he has always preferred it for the village- psalmody.
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