| Description | William quite understands about weights and measures. The Committee has decided to lay aside the French metric system and will propose a version of English and American weights. William he reports what else he has heard from Minchin, since the report has not yet been written. Schalch is ill and Minchin has been appointed Chair. William has heard nothing of his father's second letter and the Committee do not intend to use his suggestions. William had said that his father would not press the matter and his base was held to support the English standards. He gives an extract from a letter 'by an Editor of a Native paper'. William has made up his mind to travel home via Bombay [Mumbai] and [Alexander] Gordon has written to say he will have a accommodation ready. He notes the inconvenience of a festival, and the rail journeys involved. He hopes that Carry [Caroline Emilia Mary Gordon, née Herschel] will come out to India, since it will be ahelp to her husband, and separation from children is not an inconveivable thing 'to us Indians'. William considers the 'extraordinary phenomenon' that is America, with its conflicts between executive and judicial, and the legistature. He discusses the powers of the American branches of government, including judges being able to set aside State law, and being able to set aside Federal law if it is against the Constitution. He compares American, Islamic and English judges, concluding that American judges, chosen for their 'hot political views'. delight in showing how State and Federal Law have trampled on the Constitution. John [Herschel] is getting on with his base line and is preparing for the eclipse. William concludes by saying he must write to Emma and thinks the regular weekly mail will be pleasant. |