Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-08-07
employees ARRESTED
TWO BELONGING TO CHASE'S
THEATER IN COURT.
Refused to Admit Inspector Lawson to
Examine Repairs Being Made
in Building.

Detective Sergeants Frank Helan and
Thomas Hartigan shortly after noon today
arrested George c. Thompson and Abbott
E. Jones, employees Of Chase's Theater. on
a warrant charging a violation OF the
building regulations. Mr.. Thompson Is the
scenic artist of the house and Is In charge
Of the summer repairs and Improvements
that Mr.. Chase is making there. Mr.. Jones
is serving in various capacities, principally
that of Waterman.
The warrant was sworn out upon the In
formation Of A. M. Lawson, assistant in
spector Of buildings. and the specific charge
is that the two defendants at Chases
Theater this morning did then and there
Spector of buildings In the discharge or his
duties in connection with such office"
permit was taken out several weeks
ago for number of repairs and altera-
lions to the interior of the theater build
ing. At this time Mr.. Snowden Ashford,
the inspector of buildings, says he stfpu-
lated that no fnf1ammable material should
be used in any of the work, and especially
upon the STAGE where 1t was desired TO
construct a property room for the stor-
age of furniture and supplies used on the
stage during the theatrical season. Appi.
cation was made for the construction OF
such room and the building office spec1-
fed that it might be erected only with
fre-proof partitions.
Would Not Admit Inspector.
This morning Assistant Inspector Law
son was detailed to make an examination
of the repairs and alterations under way
at the theater, word having come to the
building inspector, it is said, that the prop
erty room had been constructed with wood
en- partitions.
When Mr. Lawson arrived at the theater
building he was denied admission. He
stated his authority, but Mr.. Jones' VINO
was acting as Waterman, said he had In
structions to allow absolutely no one inside
the structure. He said he was working
under orders from Mr.. Thompson, the
house artist, who had charge of the work.
Mr.. Thompson, when summoned, declared
he was acting under instructions from Mr..
Chase. Mr. Lawson's entrance being OBJ
structed, he returned to the District build
ing, where he reported the matter to his
chief. Mr.. Ashford. 1t was then determined
that a warrant should be sworn out.
Thompson and Jones were taken before
Judge KimbalI of the Police Court this
afternoon. They were represented by Mr..
Wilton J. Lambert as counsel. Mr.. Lam
bert asked that his clients be released on
collateral and a hearing of the case con-
tinued until next week in order that he
might have time to consult with the build
ing inspector and Mr.. Chase, who Is alb
sent from the city. Judge Kimball set the
hearing for next Friday, and released the
defendants on collateral Of $40 each.
Building Inspector Ashford endeavored to
reach Mr.. o. G. Staples. the owner of the
theater property, this morning. but failed
to do 50. the latter having left for the
north. Mr.. Ashford has addressed letters to
both Mr.. Chase and Mr.. Staples, informing
them that the course pursued by their en-
ployes, would not only obstruct the work
at the theater, but would jeopardize the
granting of a license for the new license
year beginning November 1 next. The law
with regard to licenses for theaters says
that the applications shall be approved by
the building inspector and the chief officer
of the fire department before a license may
be granted.