The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1904-01-27
BLl..E HIGH OFF,
Gals
Verdict of the COrOner's Jury
investigating the lrOquOis
Theater Horror

Which Tor three weeks has been liSten-
ing to evidence relating to the fire In
the Iroquois theater last night re-
turned a verdict by which the follow
ing persons are held to await the ac-
ton of the grand jury
Carter H. Harrison, mayor of Chi
cago.
Will J. Davis, proprietor in part and
manager of the theater.
Fire Marshal William II. Mushman.
George Williams, building commits
sioner of the city.
Edward Laughlin, building inspector
under Williams.
William Salllers, fireman in the the
ater.
James E. Cummings. stage carpen-
ter.
William McMullen. who had charge
of the lights that caused the fire.
THE FINDINGS.
The findings were as follows:
The cause of the fire was drapery
coming in contact with a flood OF arc
light City lsws were note complied
with relating to building ordinances.
regulating fire alarm boxes. fire ap-
paratus, damper or flues on and over
the stage and fly galleries, requiring
ireproofing of scenery and all wood
work on and about the stage. The as
oestos curtain, which was wholly in
adequate, was entirely destroyed. The
building ordinances were violated In
hat the aisles were inclosed on each
side of the lower boxes. the fire ap-
oaratus was absent from the orchestra
ioor. and there was no fire apparatus
n the gallery or first balcony.
VIII J. Davis is held responsible. AS
president and general manager he was
primarily responsible for the observ-
ance of the laws. and was bound 10
zee that his enaploves were properly
instructed as to their duties in case
IF fire.
In relation to Mayor Harrison the
verdict reads as follows:
I'VE hold Carter II. Harrison, as the
mayor of the city of Chicago, respon-
;ible, as he has shown a lamentable
ack of force. and for efforts to es-
ape responsibility, as evidenced by
he testimony.
Building Commissioner Williams
and Fire Marshal Mushman. as heads
II departments under said Carter III.
Il. Harrison, following his weak course
have given Chicago inefficient service.
which makes such calamities as the
rroquois theater horror a menace until
he public service is purged of incom-
,etence."
Building Commissioner williams is
held "for gross neglect of his duty. in
allowing the theater to open its doors
20 the public when the said theater
was incomplete and did not comply
with the building ordinances of the
city of Chicago"
Fire Marshal Mushman Is held re-
sponsible ''for gross neglect of duty
n not enforcing the city ordinances
md failing to have his subordinate.
William Sallers. fireman at the the
ater report to him the lack of fire ap-
oaratus in the theater.'
Sallers is held responsible for not
reporting the lack of fire apparatus;
McMullen for carelessness in handling
he light that caused the fire; Cum
mings, as stage carpenter, for not pro-
viding the stage with proper fire pro-
lection.
Late in the night. after the members
If the jury had departed. it was de-
cided by Coroner Traeger that 1t would
not be necessary to arrest Mayor Har-
rison, Fire Marshal Mushman and
Building Commissioner Williams to-
night, and no officers were sent afte-
them. All three Of them will be at
their offices in the city hall tomorrow
morning. and will then be given a
chance to offer bonds for their appear
ance when wanted. Mittimuses were
made out. however. for the arrest OF
the other six men.
A special grand jury will convene
next week to reopen the investigation
and decide what action shall be taken
on the report OF the coroner's jury
The charges, as far as the city officials
are concerned, which the grand jury
will consider, are malfeasance in Of
| fce. Conviction means removal from
office in addition to other penalties.