THE METRIC OR DECIMAL SYSTEM. As applied to weights and measures, the metric system has been adopted by France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Greece, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chili, etc. Switzerland, Denmark, and Austria have partially adopted it, and it is legalized or permissive (not compulsory) in the United States and in Great Britain. As applied to measures of length, the standard unit is the metre, ascertained with mathematical exactness to be one ten-millionth part of a terrestrial meridian. The unit of volume (or litre) is the capacity of a cubical vessel measuring one tenth of a metre on its edges; and the unit of weight is the actual weight of distilled water which will fill such a vessel. The following tables exhibit the various designations of weights and measures under the metric system, and their equivalents in existing American or English weights and measures, as legalized by act of Congress, July 27, 1866. CUSTOMS REVENUE OF THE UNITED STATES. A Comparative Statement showing the Customs Revenue, Amount of Dutiable and Free Goods Imported, and the Average Rate of Duty in each Year from 1821 to 1881, inclusive. [From the Official Reports on Commerce and Navigation.] 1880...... 186,522,065 208,301,863 459.652,883 667,954,746 40.57 27.92 1881... | 198,159,676 | 202,491,547 | 440,173,081 | 642,664,628 | 45.01 NOTE. 30.83 The percentages of duty are only approximately, not absolutely correct, the rates being computed for the earlier years upon the gross value of merchandise, etc., imported, instead of upon the value of goods entering into consumption. Price of Call Loans and Discount Rates of First-Class Bills in the New York Market each month, 1872-1881. Condensed from the Commercial and Financial Chronicle. THE PUBLIC DEBT OF THE UNITED STATES. TREASURY STATEMENT, DECEMBER 1, 1881. Aggregate of Debt on which Interest has ceased since Maturity. Silver Certificates. Fractional Currency, $15,469,062-less amount estimated lost or destroyed 8,375,934 1,287,008,700 262,717,250 1,561,305,200 1,479,525 11,412,890 Public Debt of the United States, &c.-Continued. AVAILABLE ASSETS. $ 1,479,525 13 Cash in the Treasury..$245,042,866 99 10,648,315 26 United States Notes held for Redemp- Bonds issued to the Pacific Railway Companies, interest payable by the United States at 6 per cent., Bonds running 30 years, from July 1, 1862, and July 2, 1864. PRINCIPAL INTEREST ACCRUED AND INTEREST PAID BY THE INTEREST REPAID BY COMPANIES. OUTSTANDING. NOT YET PAID. UNITED STATES. By Transporta- By cash payments: tion Service. 5 p. c. net earnings BALANCE OF INTE THE UNITED |