The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-01-03

swung out in order that the ugnts Hasns be thrown upon the performers upon the stage. Their greatest width when open was fourteen inches. When both refec- tors were in place, the fire curtain had no impediment in its course, but With either swung outward the descending cur, tain could not go below the renectors top. Carelessness of some employe. whose identity it. will be the effort of the police to ascertain tomorrow, resulted Tn tne combination of the open reflector and fall Ing curtain, which cost approximateiy oV' lives.
 Inspector Fulkerson, taking witnesses with him, at once went to the theatre where he found that although the names had whipped the asbestos curtain into shreds, the reflector, which had blocked it's descent. was still in the position stated by Mazzoni.
 This latest announcement following oth- CTS equally as positive from inspectors injured victims. firemen and stage hands fixing the blame for the great loss of life on other conditions, shows conflict of testimony and opinion particularly exas- perating to the public and the city Of ficials who are, attempting to fix the re- sponsibiiity for the disaster. No less than three new theories were advanced today each supported by the positive statement
 
 time of the fire.
 Chicago Bowed in Grief.
 Chicago's head was bowed in grief to- day. Business generally was suspended the banks alone being the only comner- cia1 centres which for obvious reasons could not close their doors. The large dry goods houses along State Street an- nounced that they would remain open during the earlier portion of the day in order to supply the demand, for mourning goods which has been unprecedented in the history of the city. It being evident by noon that this demand had been fully met, the stores closed for the balance of the day.
 For an hour at noon the bells of the city tolled a requiem for the dead. The idea of an hour of mourning was not generally disseminated but when at noon the sound of the silver chimes of St. Jamess Church in the north side were borne by the wind over the heart of the city. it seemed as though every other church in the city caught from it the inspiration and the bells of each responded at once. The churches in the outlying portions of the city were last to hear the tolling of those nearer the business centre, but they al once followed on. Outside of what little business was transacted down town the city was given over to funerals. There was not a cemetery in Chicago which did not see one or more. some of them having as high as a score. Extraordinary ar arrangements have been made for these which are to be held tomorrow which will be over 100 in number.
 Two double funerals passed through the down town streets just as the large mer- chandise houses were dismissing their employees at noon.
 Bells Toll Requiem. The sound of St. James's chimes was floating on the air and the people, recog- nizing the solemnity of the occasion, lined the streets and stood many of them with barred heads, while the funerals passed slowly on. One of these funerals was that of brother and sister, John J. Fitz. gibbons. IS years of age, and his sister Anna, two years younger. The other was that of two sisters, Mrs. Ella Cantwell and Mrs. P.- H. o'Donnell. A triple fun erai was held at noon from 327 Grove land Avenue from where the remains oi Myron A. Decker, his wife, his daughter Mamie. were taken to Rose Hill cerne- tery. The sole survivor of this family is a daughter 8 years old who did not at. tend the theatre. There were several double and triple fpherals held during the day. The largest funerals to be held to- morrow will be that of the entire family 
 Mir. and Mrs. Egar, who are aged people, lost three daughters and two grandchil- dren and are left alone out of all their family.
 Mayor Harrison today received a letter from Coroner Traegar suggesting that a public funeral be held in the near future for the unidentified dead. The Mayor agreed heartily with the suggestion and said:
 T approve of the idea, but we will wait as long as possible before burying any unidentified person for obvious reasons Probably the greater portion of those who are still unknown were strangers passing through the city. Their deaths may not become known to their friends for some time. But when it is practically assured that there is no further chance of their recognition, Chicago will care for them fin a becoming manner"
 It is also proposed to build monument by popular subscription in honor of the unidentified dead. This suggestion came from Coroner Traegar and was approved by Mayor Harrison.
 Managers Will Comply.
 A meeting of the managers of the lead ing Chicago theatres was held tonight at the office of the Garrick Theatre. to dis cuss the order issued this afternoon by Mayor Harrison, closing all theatres un- til all sections of the. building ordinances had been complied with. The managers decided to make all improvements, changes and repairs demanded by the Mayor and to comply in every respect with his. wishes. The different changes required by the ordinances of the building department were discussed but no definite action was taken. Another meeting of the managers will be held on Monday morn 1 ins.
 The total number of unidentified. all of them being now in the county morgue has been reduced to ten. Two more, Ms. Francis Leach. of this city. and Mrs. Nellie Skaruta of New York, being the l last two to be recognized. Of the ten bodies eight are burned so as to be un- | recognizable save by the marks on scraps | of clothing and by the teeth. Of the oth- CT two young woman and a hoy. 8 years | old. the features are unmarred and could readily be recognized.