Thus one would expext it to energize the first lantren block and then that block to pass power to the second. Same as if it had been energized by a torch and wire. <blocks in air to avoid odd power passing>
But unlike a torch can provide power directly to a block when placed on it. No wire required to energize the block it touches.
< Incoming screen caps. >
As you can see the block is a power source same as the torch out putting a 15 strength signal.
Hmm seems I can not add another screenshot atm ... I may have worded this a bit off The problem lies in the red stone block. The Torch is functioning as I expect.
The red stone block can power the lantern directly thus should act as a torch->red stone wire->lantern. As Soon as it lets me upload it I will add the missing screen shot that sows a red stone block sitting on a lit lantern.
As the red stone block act as a power source. It should be powering the lantern block as well as turning on the light , thus allowing the next block in line to be lit .
[edited for spelling]
3 out of 5 world gens this happened on. Not 100% guarantied to happen like all good bugs. May take a gen or two. 🙂