Daily National Intelligencer

ON GAS LIGHTS.

FROM THE COLUMBIAN,

Of the many valuable discoveries which chemistry has brought to perfection within these last few years, there are none that rank more deservedly high in the opinion of the public, than the mode of furnishing light by means of gas from coal. Indeed this truth carries conviction with it in the mind of any person who has ever seen them in operation. The advantages of this mode over the old plan of burning oil and candles, must be apparent upon the slightest inspection.

Mr. Park, in his excellent epitome of chemistry, very justly observes, "that were this mode of furnishing light in general use, the public might be furnished with a better and a stronger light at the most insignificant expence; and the many tons of oil and tallow which are now used for the purpose of furnishing light, might be used in the manufacture of soap, which would tend to lower the price of that wholesome and necessary article, and render our poor more comfortable and healthy."

This important improvement has, like every other valuable invention which has had the good of mankind for its ultimate object, been subject to the greatest opposition that ignorance and malevolence could dictate. It has been asked, what, if these lights come into general use, is to become of our whale fisheries? Will not that nursery of seamen for the American navy be annihilated? What is to become of that numerous and respectable body of our citizens, the tallow-chandlers and of oil merchants? These, and many other objections, have been brought against the introduction of this system by interested men. To the first of these objections I shall answer, that the idea of its injuring the whale fisheries is absurd; for this is an observation that every person concerned in the whale fisheries must have frequently made, that the quantity of whales is alarmingly diminishing, and has been so for the last fifty years: about that time whales were frequently seen 150 feet long, and, some longer; at this time it is extremely rare to find one of 80 feet long. The slaughter among them by fishers of all nations is so great, that their number is exceedingly diminished: so that whatever opposition may be brought against this system, it must and will be soon brought into operation.

As to the whale fisheries being a nursery for our seamen, no such thing can exist; for it is well known that the crews of whalemen are composed of the ablest and strongest seamen, for that species of duty seems to demand it; and in this case our vessels have to go to sea indifferently manned, because our best seamen have shipped on board the whalemen. As to its taking employment from the tallow chandlers, &c. could not that objection be made against every economical and mechanical improvement? The fact is, as fast as one channel of wealth is dried up, another is opened. When the advantage of a plan of such utility to the public is discussed, is the interest of a small number of individuals, perhaps only one of that description in ten thousand, to be admitted as an argument against it? Would it not be better that perhaps one million of dollars should be annually saved to this city, and a few mechanics thrown out of employment, than to have the case reversed?

It is asserted that the fetor proceeding from this gas is extremely prejudicial to health, and that a short time ago several individuals engaged in the manufactory of Gas in London were indicted for that nuisance, and that several dangerous explosions have taken place in that city.

Now as to the effluvia proceeding from this gas, that cannot be admitted as an objection; for if the apparatus is perfectly tight, no such thing can exist; and it would be the height of folly to attempt to prepare gas without the apparatus is in complete order. Those indictments were on account of the tar-water being thrown down the gutters in the streets.

As to explosions, &c.—before the practice of gas lights was brought to perfection, several individuals engaged in its manufacture, in their reservoir or gasometer, neglected to affix a waste-pipe, and more gas was generated than what was necessary to burn: the consequence was, that as it was filling the whole time, it at length burst, and fire was communicated to the gas by a candle or some other means, and the room was enveloped in flame. But upon the present improved method of manufacturing it, no such thing can take place; for the gasometer is provided with a safety-valve and waste-pipe, through which the surplus gas is conducted away, where it can do no injury. The fact is, there are no proofs wanting, that these lights are infinitely more safe and agreeable than oil or candles.

FRANKLIN.