Page:Federal Reporter, 1st Series, Volume 2.djvu/923

 916 FEDERAL REPORTER. �Tessel during the night-time, show a lighted torch upon the point or quarter to which the steam-vessel shall be approach- ing." This seems suffioiently broad to cover ail cases, but the libellants contend it does not require the light to be exhibited to a steamer coming up astem. Certainly, there is nothing in the language to indicate any such exception. The light is to be exhibited on the approach of any steam-vessel in the night. Nothing is said about the direction, thus im- plying that the signal must be given if the approach is from any quarter. �The rule is of comparatively recent origin, having been adopted by congress for the first time in 1871, (16 St. 459, § 70,) and was undoubtedly intended to supply a defect in the regulations of 1864, (13 St. 58,) which only required a sailing vessel, when under way, to carry her eolored side lights, and they could not be seen astem. Under such cir- cumstances a vessel coming up from behind had nothing to guide her except the hull or sails of the one aheafd, when they can be seen. When both were sailing vessels this was com- paratively unimportant, because it is rare that the speed of the foUowing vessel is such as to prevent her from getting out of the way after she is near enough to see what is ahead. With steamers, however, it is different. For this reason, when such a vessel was approaching, another light seemed sometimes to be necessary, and the torch was provided. As the side lights were visible ahead, it is clear that the primary object of the additional rule must have been to show a light behind where there was none before. �It is objeeted, however, that this would require a lookout at the stern as well as the bow, and, therefore, such oould not bave been the intention of the rule. The office of a lookout is to watch for and report danger from whatever quarter it may be expected. It it can come from behind, he must look there enough to see when it is approaching and give the necessary warning. He must be stationed where, under the circumstances of the situation, he can best perform ail his duties, and if one cannot do ail that is required an- other must be added. Ordinarily, on a sailing vessel in open ����