The Greenwich Meridian and World Peace
At the recent International Conference on the adoption of a common prime meridian of longitude, held at Washington, D. C., the meridian of Greenwich, England, was adopted, twenty-one nations voting in favor of it, San Domingo against it, and France and Brazil abstaining from voting. The French delegates were decidedly opposed to the adoption of this meridian, or, indeed, of any meridian that would cross the territory of any other great power. The remark of one of the French delegates is significant as showing the feeling that exists in France toward England. Said he: “France will never consent to engrave on her charts, ‘Longitude east (or west) from Greenwich.’” This indicates the nature of the “peace” that exists between these two countries. When there is such a feeling, it would require but a very little spark to kindle the flame of war. And France is not the only nation that cherishes feelings of jealousy. Those who are looking and hoping for a time of universal peace before the personal coming of the Prince of Peace, are building their hopes on a sandy foundation.