With reference to the subject matter of your dispatch of the 23rd of September concerning Light House matters, and the appointment of a Marine Commissioner, I have to observe that, from a memorandum on the subject furnished me by the Inspector General of Customs I gather the following facts:
　1st. That the portion of the revenue derived from Tonnage Dues which the Chinese Government has set apart for Light House purposes amounts to about $210,000 annually, and that there is small prospect of material increase.
　2nd. That the current expenses of Light Houses and Light ships already completed, together with the salaries of Engineers Divisional Inspectors, and skilled workmen employed in the construction of new ones, amount now to about $100,000 annually: thus leaving $110,000 to be expended annually in the purchase of materials and the construction of new works.
　3rd. That the duty of the Marine Commissioner was to gather information and determine the proper location for Lights, to decide upon their character and order, and arrange for the manufacture of the necessary machinery, lanterns, etc., which must be obtained abroad.
　4th. That the plans and drawings have been prepared by, and the works actually erected under the supervision of Engineers employed for that special purpose.
　5th. That the locations already selected, the lights decided on, and the most of the materials ordered, will consume the revenue applicable to construction for six years to come in their erection.
　It is obvious that the current expenses will increase as more new works are erected, and as a consequence the construction fund will be diminished in like ratio.
　Mr. Hart, in his memorandum says, that the employment of a Marine Commissioner until the present plans are more nearly worked up to would be an unwise diversion of the sum that would be paid to such an officer for salary. This seems to me so reasonable that I cannot urge the appointment of such an official.
　Were the Chinese Government able and willing to provide means for the building of Light Houses and other safeguards to shipping on the perilous coast, fast enough to meet the requirements, I should favor strongly the employment not only of a Marine Commissioner, but of a Board of Commissioners to supervise such works as an economical measure. This cannot be expected: hence I deem it the duty of all foreign Governments, whose citizens and subjects are engaged in commerce in these seas, to suggest and urge if necessary, the utmost economy compatible with utility in the expenditure of the allowance annually made.

I have the honor to be
Admiral
Your Obd’t Serv’t
(signed) Frederick F. Low