The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-01-02
EMPIRE THEATER CASE
IN THE POLICE COURT
The Manager Pleads "NOt
Guilty" to the Charges.
A CONFLICT OF AUTHORITY
Building Inspector and Fire Marshal
Said to Have Reversed One Another's
Orders Regarding Lights.

Specifically charged with conducting a
theater in the District of Columbia with
out a license, +. J. Buckley. manager
OF the Empire Theater, was placed on
trial in the Police Court today. He
pleaded not guilty. The Government 3
side Of the case was heard and Mr.
Buckley was given until next Satrrda V
70 present his view of the matter
Pending the Saturday hearing. Mr..
Buckley is enjoying liberty on his per-
sonal bonds
According to the information sworn
out against Mr.. Buckley by Assessor H.
II. Darneille, at the instance of the
District Commissioners. the day after
the Chicago theatcr fire, the playhouse
manager conducted and managed a GER
tain theater having a stage and NOV
aDie scenery used for the purpose OF
playing and performing plays. inter-
ludeS, operas and other dramatic per-
formances. without first having obtain
ed license so to do
Assessor Darneille testified that he had
examined the District license records
and found that Mr. Buckley had no
license to conduct theater in the Dis
trict of Columbia
Question of Fire Escapes.
w ]. Melton. a license inspector. cor
roborated this statement and Assistant
Building Inspector Evans said Mr.
Buckley had been ordered to comply
with the building regulations and put
fire escapes on his playhouse so as TO
insure the safety OF the patrons OF the
house. This mandate was not complied
with and in November, when the 1893
license expired. Mr. Buckley was re-
legged insufficient protection against fire.
He has been conducting his theater
since November without a license, but ii
is said he has a deposit as large as the
license fee at the District building. and
the reason he has no license is because
the authorities will not give ii to him.
MT Bulkley said he was more sinned
against than SHINING. inasmuch as he
was perfectly willing to comply with the
law i'm the matter of fire ESCAPES and
adjusting red lights to designate fire and
emergency exits, but he was hounded
by the Fire Marshal and the Building
Inspector. and between the two he did
not know what was wanted Mr.. Bulk
ley says one day the Building Inspector
would order him to put red light over
certain door and the next day the Fire
Marshal or his assistant. would come
rAApNAAN anu SeA- ne udu no right 10 nI-t
the light in that place, and down the
light came.
Conflict of Authority.
IF the District authorities know
what fire protection the Empire The
alter needs and must have. and will in
form me in writing. l viii most willingly
comply with the Jaw" explained Mr..
Bulkey- He says he has been told YER
bally what the Building Inspector want
ed. but the Fire Marshal did not want
1t that way, and because of the differ
ence of opinion OF two officials he has
been deprived Of his license
Should Mr.. Buckley learn what is
wanted and have the work begun before
next Saturday it is most probable that
further prosecution will be abandoned
No other cases Of conducting theaters
without licenses or failing TO provide fire
escapes were called in the Police Court
today.