THE CHICAGO FIRE

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 5229, 19 March 1904, Page 10

THE CHICAGO FIRE

GROUNDS ON WHICH THE MAYOR AND OTHER OFFICIALS WILL BE TRIED.

The findings of the jury on the Iroquois Theatre fire. Chicago, were- as follows: “The cause of-the fire was the drapery coming in contact with an arc light. The city laws were not complied with relating to building ordinances, -regulating firo alarm boxes, fire apparatus, damper or flues on and over the stage and fly galleries. There was a- violation or tho ordinance requiring ■ fire-proofing of scenery and all woodwork on and about the stage. The asbestos curtain was inadequate, and was destroyed. Building ordinances were violated in that, aisles were enclosed in each side of tho lower boxes and in absence of fire apparatus on the orchestra floor; in that there was no tire apparatus in the gallery or-balcony. -Will J, Davis is held responsible as president and general manager. He was primarily responsible for the observances of the Laws, and was bound to see that his employees were properly instructed, as to their duties of fire.”

In relation to Mayor Harrison, the verdict read as follows;—“Wo hold Carter H. Harrison, as Mayor of the city, responsible, as ho has shown lamentable lack of force and for his efforts to escape responsibility. Evidence by "the testimony of Building Commissioner Williams and Fire Marshal Musham, and as head of the departments, the said Carter H. Harrison, following this weak course, has given Chicago inefficient service, which makes such a calamity as the Iroquois Theatre horror a. menace until the public service is purged of incompetents."

Building Commissioner Williams was held for “Gross neglect of duty in allowing the theatre to, open its doors when the said theatre‘was incomplete." Fire Marshal Musham was held responsible “for gross neglect of duty- ir. not enforcing the city ordinances, and' failure to have his subordinate, William Sailer, fireman at the theatre, report to him the lack of fire apparatus." Mullen, for carelessness in handling the light that caused the fire; Cummings as stage carpenter, tor not providing tho stage with proper protection. It was decided later by Coroner Traeger that it would not be necessary to arrest Mayor Harrison, * ira Marshal Musham, and Building Commissioner Williams immediately, and no officers were sent -for them. All three will be given a chance to offer bonds. ' Mittimuses were made out for the arrest of the other six men. - A special grand jury will be convened to decade what action shall be taken on the report of the coroner’s jury. The charge as far -as the city officials are concerned, which the grand jury will consider, is malfeasance, in office. Convictions mean their removal from office in addition to any other penalty. When the jury reported. Coroner IVaeger decided the men held by tho verdict Should be taken fnto custody. He atones prepared warrants for their arrest, and called on -the police hi serve the warrants. "I dont expect that all these men who are kely to bo held will, fen- to escape/' said the coroner, "but sonke of them, who have no largo property interests, might take it into their heads to leave Chicago. I do not intend thjit there shall be any mistakes in that direction laid to tny department. If I can Cause the arrest -of one -of them, I jw compelled to cause the 'arrest of -all."