The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-11-01
OUR COAST LIGHTS.
A Letter From Admiral wyman.ssm

At the late meeting of the Portland Board
| of Trade, o remonstrance was drawn up and
signed against the proposed discontinue nee OF
one of the Cape Elizabeth lights, and against
any change in the lights on the Maine coast.
| This remembrance was forwarded to the Light
! House Board at Washington. The following
| reply, dated Washington, Oct. 2Sth, was re-
| ceived this morning:
| N. N. Rich, Esq. Secretary Board of Trade.
Portland, Me-;
Sir-The Light House Board has the honor
to acknowledge the receipt of the proceedings
of meeting of the Portland Board of Ira de,
on Oct. 21st, forwarded by the honorable, the
reference to the disseminating of one of the
lights at Matinicus Rock, and at Cape Eliza
beth, on the coast of Maine
The suggestion for this change came origi-
nally from the Light House Board, and, after
thorough discussion and consultation it was
adopted. The reason for this adoption and
the arguments used, were:
First-That in this age of many characters
| tic distinctions in which we have the fixed
| white of several degrees OF size and intensity,
the flashing white of many degrees of length
of flash and interval, ranging between five
seconds and three minutes-the fixed red-the
flashing red, and the flashing, giving first red
and then white,-two lights to mark points or
hesdlands are therefore unnecessary.
Two lights were adopted in early days, when
it was one and twolights only to make distinc-
ton in headands.
Second-The matter of economy was dis
cussed, and it was found that by making the
changes proposed on the coast of Maine saw
ing would be had of some $4,000 per annum,
and it was decided that no injury could result
in the matter, since it is directed that the
changes shall not be made until due notice has
been given, time long enough for all trading
vessels now absent from the country, to be in
formed,
In reference to the statement of Captain
Small, of the bark accident,sm ade before the
Board of Trade, we are unable to find in the
records of this office, anything other than two
Notices to Mariners, copies of which are en-
closed, in which it will be seen that the order
was given in 1854 Captain Small should have
had this information before he sailed
About that time the Fresnel lens was being
adopted in place of the refectors formerly in
use, and the records show, that tke one light
exhibited at Cape Elizabeth was OF small pow
er and Its workings was detective; so resort
was again had to the two lights for this point,
since all the distinctions previously named had
not been made.
The board is unable TO understand too, how
it was possible for Captain Small to mistake
Pond Island and Seguin for the Cape lights,
since the former were a small 9th order, fixed
white and first order fixed white two miles
apart, while the latter were q revolving white
and fixed white at 300 yards apart.
The board is actuated in this matter simply
in the interest of economy, and it believes that
nothing to the injury of property or person can
result from the change, since in this age of
rapid mail communication, all people inter-
ested in the matter can have proper informa-
ton.
l send you chart with the changes intend
ed marked on it, You will see that the marks
are perfectly distinct. Commencing at Mount
Desert Rock we have fixed white, Matinicus
fixed red, Monhegan fisshing white, Seguin
fixed white, Halfway Rock flashing red
and white, Cape Elizabeth a flashing white,
Boon Island fixed white, &c.
Now the distance from Monhegan to Cape
Elizabeth is forty miles; this distance between
flashing lights, is further distinguished by
difference of length of flash. Is it possible
that any navigator or master of vessel will ad-
nit, that in these days of accuracy in finding
position at sea, he could mistake these places?
In private business when new methods can
be adopted, equally good with those in use and
at considerable saving, it is thought proper to
adopt the new and generally deemed stupid
not TO do so. Why should not this same prin,
ciple govern public officers in the administra-
ton of affairs?
at Moose Peak and at Petit Menan flashing
white lights. The distance between these
places is ten miles. No complaint has ever
been made to the board of improper marking
Of these hsad-lands. The distance between
the flashing light intended for Cape Elizabeth
and the one now in use at Monhegan Island, is
forty miles, and it is thought impossible, that
these points can be COMPOUNDED.
Very respectfully,
r. Fl. WYMAN,
Rear Admiral u S. N, Chairman.