The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1904-01-07
Drops in st. Louis Theaters I'm
harmed by Strong Flames
From Blow Lamps.
QUESTION N UP TO-DAY.
Automatic Sprinklers for Play.
houses Opposed by Building
COmmissioner-Water
Sheets Favored.

If the suggestions of George U. Helm
burger, Commissioner of Public Buildings,
are followed, the new building ordinance.
which will be discussed at a Special meet
ing of the City Council this afternoon,
will not require either the use OF a steel
curtain on the stages Of local theaters or
the establishment on the stages OF the
automatic sprinkling system.
Mr.. Hamburger stated yesterday:
II am thoroughly convinced that the as
bestos is the most practical curtain and
affords as,much protection to the auditori-
UNI Of a theater in case Of fire as n
other fre-proof curtain suggested.
A to the automatic s%prinkling sys-
tenn. / agree with Chief Swingley and
Henry M. Blossom, president Of the St.
Louis Fire Prevention Bureau, In that the
sprtnkiing system is a menace, rather
than a safeguard against fires.
Il will recommend the water curtain,
to be placed parallel to the asbestos cur
tain. and also the establishment of draft
dues on the stages of all theaters.
The other recommendations which have
been discussed heretofore will be incor-
porated In the ordinance. These, Of course,
include the stationing of city firemen on
the stage of the theater, the establish
ment OF fire alarm boxes, the proper
marking of stage and auditorium exits, as
well as a section requiring the aisles to be
absolutely clear during every performance.
1t has been suggested that the theater
managers be required to a " flreproof
scenery. This. l think. is impractical.
Scenery can hardly be freproof. but / will
rule, l am told, is well observed now by
all theater owners and managers.
AFFORDING MORE PROTECTION.
w have recommended several changes
In st. Louis theaters, but from the in
spections that we have made I feel safe in
assuring the st. Louis public that they are
better protected in the theaters at this
time than they have ever been. The the
and every practical suggestion that has
been made 10 them has neen accepted.
The water curtain on the stage was the
Standard Theater. who has one In sue
cessful operation at his theate- in Kansas
City. Every theater manager in the city
voluntarily agreed to place this additional
protection In his theater as soon as posi-
bic.
The managers object to the sprinkling
system. because 1t is too uncertain. The
hitting Of the automatic pipes, 'overheating
In certain parts Of the stage. and many
other unlocked for things can cause these
pipes to burst. resulting In an alarm of
nIe. which would necessarily be fol-
lowed by needless alarm and a possible
pa ..%s. ...., o,,..,, :. g.. ~. - -,
die, n therefore. is not looked upon as
practical. In the event of a fire. q steel
curtain might expand, and II 1t did SO 1t
might be impossible to lower 1t. Put a
steel curtain in a groove and there would
be thed danger Of its hitching in the lower
ing of it.
This same objection to a groove il
made in the placing of an asbestos cur
tain. The curtains in street cars are
placed in grooves. Did you ever try to
raise or. lower one of those curtains
quickly? Have you noticed how often It
is that these curtains stick in the groove?
The same argument is made against the
groove in regard to an asbestos curtain.
When placed on a wire, as the main drop
curtain in q theater 10 adjusted, quick and
satisfactory action Is more certain.
Another argument against the steel
curtain Is that In the event of q fire in q
theater the stage IL oftentimes the best
means of exit. With a steel curtain bar
ring the way. the stages as q means Of
exit would be practically shut OF.
mo CAUSE FOR GREAT ALARM"
I'm making q new building ordinance
for st. Louis I don't think that the Chi
cago situation should be considered. It
was an unusual catastrophe that the peo-
pie witnessed there-one that may never
be witnessed again. We have had no guch
calamity In St. Louis. and, therefore.
shOnld act not hastt1ys<but With great
fQrefhcrght There y %. Tor grea&
Ths asbestos curtains N NJ oaympdu.
-