New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-01
LESSONS OF THE CHICAGO FIRE.

When the story Of the destruction of the lro-
quois Theatre, in Chicago, is reviewed 1t is per-
ceived that a number of causes operated to pro-
duce the awful result. Had any one OF them
been missing, the whole character of the event
might have been changed. Little doubt now re-
mains about the origin OF the IRE. Apparently
there was a trifing accident to one OF the
electric lamps on the stage, in consequence or
which light draperies in the flies were 1gnlteo.
In their efforts to suppress the flames the stage
hands became nervous and took the wrong
course. They raised instead of lowering the
blazing fabric When an attempt was made to
interpose the ireproof curtain between stage
and auditorium something prevented the full
execution Of that purpose, and the situation
was aggravated instead of bettered. Fire panic
and the inadequacy of the means of escape from
the upper floors then consummated the awful
work.
The first important link in the chain of deadly
influences was the highly combustible character
OF the scenery. Here, perhaps, is the chief OPP
portunity for reform in the equipment of other
theatres and opera houses. For more than
twenty wears there have been at the disposal
of scene painters a number of freproof paints,
Solutions which will render such light materials
as muslin and gauze incombustible are also well
known. With determination and enterprise,
and probably little additional outlay, the spread
of a fire on the modern stage could to-day be
made absolutely impossible. Inasmuch as the
majority of fires in theatres originate in that
quarter there is all the greater necessity for
the suggested improvement. Prevention is in
finitely better than cure.
If the theory which has been advanced TO ac-
count for the conduct Of the asbestos curtain is
correct, the difficulty in handling it could not,
perhaps have been foreseen. Even an elab-
crate ire drill, 10 test all mechanism and
TO familiarize the employees with their duty
and stations. might not have revealed the
trouble 1t has been suggested that the wind,
blowing off the stage, drove the edges OF the
curtain against the prOscenium so forcibly that
friction interfered with descent The notion
is not at all incredible. but II points 10 new
requirement Hereafter it may be wise 10 rely
on other agencies than gravity alone TO bring
the asbestos curtain down. 1t should be pulled
from below as well as lowered from above,
Besides. either upon the curtain or on the inner
face of the proscenium, something in the nature
of rollers ought TO be provided 10 facilitate free
movement. Managers and architects cannot
consider the point too promptly.
The most remarkable imperfection in the new
theatre however. seems 10 have been the lack
Of adequate provision for egress 1t has been
alleged that certain doorways Of iron. theoreti-
calv designed for service in emergencies, were
locked If that charge is fully substantiated
an amazing degree Of carelessness in admins
tration must have prevailed. 1t has been said,
moreover that the ladders needed 10 make the
IRE escapes from the balcony and gallery avail
able had not been supplied. This is an even
moro astonishing statement than the other.
and II is to be hoped that it will prove untrue.
1t would have been criminal TO open the thea
ire at all for the first performance while in such
A condition. but 10 allow a continuance OF the
lack for more than a month would be still less
defensible. When the full truth is made known
Chicago may End il hard TO forgive the short
comings Of the management Of her beautiful
but short lived place OF entertainment.