New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-28
MAYOR HARRISON FREED.
ReheUed of Responsibility for Iro-
quois Theatre Fire.

Chlcaeo' Jan. 27.-Mayor Carter H. Harrison
""o TINS AFTERNOON ordered by Judge Richard
>. TuthiH to be Immediately discharged from
custody in connection with any responsibility
Tor the wholesale loss Of life in the Iroquois
4heatre fire. The judge declared that the
mayor was in no way whatever guilty or liable
ana that the coroners Jury, in ordering him
held to the grand Jury had nut an uniust
stigma on the Mayor who had failed in no mar
tlcuiar whatever, either in omission or commits
sion.
Mayor Harrison decided this morning to sue
out writ Of habeas corpus for his Immediate
release from custody under the findings Of the
coroner's jury, and with his bondsman and an
attorney appeared at the criminal courts build
ing' where he formally surrendered himself to
Sherlt Barrett thus multiplying the bond OF
$4,000. given yesterday to secure his freedom
from literal custody Notice was simultaneous
ly served on the State Attorneys office that an
application for writ Of habeas corpus would
at once be filed with Judge Tuthill.
Judge Tuthill consented to an Immediate hear
Ing OF Mayor Harrison's application. The hear
ing had hardly begun when the judge announced
that 1t was wrong and improper to hold the
Mayor and that the evidence showed no crime,
felony or misdemeanor. On those grounds alone,
Judge Tuthiil said, he would discharge the
Mayor.
Inc Mayor through Corporation Counsel Pol
man. quickly interposed that, in spite of the
JUDGES inclination. discharge would not be
accepted on these points. and asked that the
ordinances be examined by the court. Accord
ingly. recess was taken by the court and an
examination was Immediately begun. When
court reconvened the release OF the Mayor was
announced
Following his release the Mayor made
statement, which was as follows:
The only possible feature which the fury were
disaster was the alleged negligence and incom-
getSnce OF my appontees. Fire Chief Mnsham and
Bullding Inspector Williams. l want to call at
tentlon TO the fact that Chief Musham has been
connected with the Chicago Fire Department for
forty years. beginning at the bottom OF the ladder
ana winning his way TO the position OF assistant
time. Upon the retirement OF Chief Swenie APP
pointed Musham chief The appointment
strictly on merit and met with unanimous ap-
When the position of Building Commissioner be-
came vacant last summer, / invited the Builders
Club. the Association OF Architects and various
otner non-paTtisan professional organizations, 10
nominate the best available man for the vacancy.
They named. in nominating Mr.. Williams, Re
publican. and gave me the strongest testimonials
10 his character and efficiency. | appointed him
10th OF these men were considered ideal appoint
ments. The lmputation OF guilt upon these two
men is entirely unjustihabe. but to strike at me,
over their shoulders. is little short OF infamy.
The Iroquois Theatre building is now in the
hands Of its owners. Coroner Traeger has told
the police department TO call off the policemen
on guard at the building, and informed the at
torneys for Powers & Davis that he no longer
wants the custody Of the structure.