On the Light-House System of the United States. 323 
That the lamps and reflectors are not, as a general rule, prop- 
erly placed on the frames, due regard not being paid to divergency. 
‘hat the sea-coast lights are deficient in proper attendance, 
with only one keeper. ‘ 
That there is no proper classification of lights in the United 
tates, , 
That the lights are not properly and sufficiently well distin- 
guished along the coast of the United States. 
' That there is no system of public inspection and superintend- 
ence, calculated to render the light-house establishment mode- 
tately useful or efficient. 
_ That the lanterns, illuminating apparatus, &c., are not super- 
intended, while they are being made, by competent or faithful 
professional men, : 
at there are no general or special regulations for keepers and 
others connected with light-houses, by which to ensure an i 
telligent or faithful performance of the duties 
That supplies of all kinds, involving the good or bad quality 
of the lights to a great extent, are not tested and selected by 
competent persons before issuing them to light keepers. 
That there is not a proper degree of responsibility on the part 
of the agents connected with the light-house establishment. 
- That the present mode of procuring and distributing supplies, 
apparatus, é&c., is not calculated to ensure either efficiency or 
economy in the service ; 
_. ‘Phat contractors are not held under a sufficiently rigid super- 
intendence and inspection during the execution of works of con- 
Struction and repair. a 
That the modern light-house towers are inferior in point of 
Materials and workmanship to the older ones visited by the board 
such, for example, as Sandy Hook light-house, built in 1762; Cape 
Henlopen tower, built in 1764; Cape Henry tower built in 1791. 
That the floating lights of the United States are comparative- 
ly useless for want of efficient lamps and parabolic reflectors. 
That the light vessels are in general not adapted to the service 
y are required to perform, being defective in size, model, an 
OOrin: 
| ees 
That the light vessels are not properly distinguished either by 
y or by night. ; 
hat sufficient regard has not been had to the proposed use of 
Se novaral lights, so as towegulate their power and range accord- 
ingly 
That there is no effective system by which to afford to sparsely 
Settled parts of the coast requiring lights, the meaus of bringing - 
the subject before Congress, and of deciding in advance of ap- 
Propriations the best descriptions of lights to be placed at the de- 
Sired points, 
