New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-18
SAFETY ON THE STAGE.

Orders Of n rather sweeping character were
recently issued by the municipal authorities In
London and Birmingham relative to the pre-
vention of fires IN theatres. It is a notable
circumstance that Engineering" singles out
for editorial comment the one regulation which
demands scenery and properties that prac-
tically incombustible Everybody knows that
the greatest danger in a theatre exists on the
stage not in the auditorium. Some reforms
have already been initiated on the former. AS
bestos curtains, hardwood floors, an increased
use Of wire for cordage, skylights over the
stage and other innovations have minimzed the
peril sensbly, but they do not go far enough.
Nine times out Of ten it is the rapid spread of
flames among fabrications of woodwork, can
vas and gauZe which determines the result of
a tiny blaze. Make those articles OF materials
that will not burn readily, and the mischief is
nipped in the bud. Perhaps this Is the
most vulnerable point in American places OF
amusement That it is an equally weak feature
OF English theatres may be inferred from the
Importance attached by Engineering" to the
efforts of the authorities to secure fireproof
scenery.
When the suggestion is first made to the
managers of theatres and opera houses that
they voluntarily adopt such a policy, they
usually offer variety Of excuses. They have
their doubts about its feasibility. These would
be dspelIed If they would investigate the mat
ter carefully. 1t is true that the art of render
ing combustible substances incOmbustbe has
not yet reached its full development There
are several methods of treating wood 10 give
It fire resisting qualities, and it is not alto
gether clear which is the best one. So, too, it
is not certain how long canvas and other tex
tiles will retain those properties after chemicals
have been applied Nevertheless, fairly eff
cient protection has been possible for twenty
years or more. 1t may be possible to improve
on present methods, but present methods are
adequate, In the judgment OF the city authori-
ties in London, TO save life and property So
fully convinced on this point is the munich
pal government. indeed, that IL has made the
new ordinance retroactive. The latter affects
the old theatres as well as the new. If within
a specified time the necessary steps are not
taken 10 comply herewith, the licenses of the
payhOuses are TO be revoked.
Two effects. direct and indirect will ensue
from conformity with the orders issued in Lon
don. Inasmuch as many theatrical productions
which first appear in the metropolis are subse-
quently taken to the provinces, a number of
smaller cities Will get the benefit of the fire.
proof scenery which is carried about from place
10 place to assist in the representation. Here
is a consideration which ought to appeal to
American managers. II they would advertise
this feature Of their plays when ION the road"
they should certainly draw larger houses than
otherwise. Again, the example OF compelling
the proprietors of theatres TO render them safer
than ever before ought not TO be without in
huence this side Of the Atlantic. Americans
have much TO learn even yet about the sacred