Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-01-22
Important Statements by
Designer of the
lrOquois.
LAW COMPLIED WITH
Entrance the Largest of
any Theatre in
World.

Chicago, Jan. 22.-Harry j. Powers,
one Of the resident owners and asso-
ciate managers of the Iroquofs thea
tire. took the stand as n witness be-
fore the cOroner's jury today. Upon
request of the coroner. Nill j. Davis.
the other resident owner of the IrO-
quois, retired from the room during
the examination of Powers.
Powers said he was a stockholder.
director, treasurer and associate man
agcr of the IrOquOis theatre. In a
general way he was identified with
the preparation of plans for the thea
ire. He approved them. did klaw Il
Erlanger. of New York. interested
stockholders. Concerning details as
to opening the theatre. he referred
his interrogation to VIII j. Davis.
Others Looked After Details.
Powers said the reason the IroquoiS
had no fire apparatus was because the
house fireman. SaIler. had not ordered
il. 1t was Saller's business to provide
such things. Powers also placed Te-
sponsibility ON the Fuller Construc-
tion company. which. he said, WAS
supposed to construct the building ac-
cording TO law. lie declared the busi-
ness manager. Nounan. the stage ear
penter. Cummins. and Chief Usher
Dusenberry were entrusted with look
ing after details.
Architect on stand.
Chicago, Jan. 22. - benjamin II.
Marshall. architect of the Iroquois the
ntrr. was the principal witness Of the
dIy in the inquest on the victims OF
Il.
Hyucs. dean Of counsel representing
VIII !. Davis and Harry Powers. arose
in MarshaIrs behalf at adjournment
and announced that the architect re
qucStcd permission to lead the jurors
through the thcater ruins. explaining
every detail OF construction and an
swering any and all questions ON the
scene. Marshall joined in presenting
tie advantages of the plan. While
no answer is given 10y the jury. il is
proha blc they will make another tour
OF the ruins.
Largest Entrance In the World.
Marshall said he was experimenting
the construction of Il theater i'll Los
Angeles two years ago when he re-
CCivcd telegram from NesSrS Davis
ana Powers to come to Chicago and
prepare plans for the projected IrO-
QuOiS theatcr. In the original plan 4
forty-fOOt foyer was designed for the
Randolph street entrance. Objection
WAS encountered from the building de
partment because Of the effect it would
have on the east wall. Accordingly
arrangements were made for siXty-foot
frontage on Randolph street. giving
the theater the largest entrance of any
play house i'm the world in proportion
To its seating capacity.
Plans Were Officially Approved.
IT was the aim. witness said. 10
make il the tiucSt thCatcr possible. and |
when his plans were completed they
were taken east for the approval of !
theater experts. The plans We're taken |
To the New York offices of Elaw X |
Erlan.er. whose appreciation had to I've |
secured. Each feature as planned was |
submitted to Deputy Building Com |
missioner Timothy O'Shea. then in Of |
fec. Finally the contract for con |
StruCtion was awarded the George y. !
Fuller Construction company. No fig-
urc was specified for the cost, the firm |
Ia receive a percentage of the amount |
necessarily expended The estimate |
given the building department. witness |
said. WIS from S2I5.oOU To 100000.