Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-01-23
ARE REASONABLY SAFE
General Condition of Theaters
Reviewed by Commissioners
PERSONAL INSPECTION
REPORT MADE IN RESPONSE TO
SENATE RESOLUTION.
Steps That Have Been Taken for
Safety of Playhouse Patrons
Present Safeguards.
PERSONAL INSPECTION

The general condition of the Washington
theaters is considered by the District Com
missoners reasonably safe. This opin-
ion is contained in the report of the Com
missoners relative to the condition of the
theaters, which was forwarded to Congress
this afternoon, and is pronounced after a
personal inspection by the authorities of all
the playhouses in the city. The principal
projections relied on, so the report states,
are on the ability to keep any fire original
ing on the stage within the limits of the
stage itself for a sufficient time; on the sky
lights above the stages, which allow flames
and smoke to escape, and further on SUI
ficient exits, provided audiences do not at
tempt to leave the buildings in uncontrol-
liable haste.
The report is made in resopnse to the
resolution introduced by Senator Stewart
and passed January last directing the
Commissioners to make full examination
into the condition of all the theaters and
places of public entertainment IN the DIS
trict, and report upon the investigation 10
the Senate. The authorities submit a pre-
lminary report in reference to the theaterS,
and state that an examination is now being
made of the public halls used for entertain
ments from time to time. The statement
of the Commissioners relative to the cond-
ton of the halls will be forwarded TO Con-
GresS at q later date.
The report of the Commissioners submit
ted today reviews the conditions which pre-
vailed in the playhouses prior to two years
ago and the steps that have been taken
since that time to correct faulty construc-
ton and to eliminate dangerous conditions.
Report of Commissioners
With reference to the personal investiga-
ton of the theaters, the Commissioners
state:
In obedience to the resolution of the Sen
ate the Commissioners made a personal in
spection of all the theaters in the city. Ger
tain minor changes were recommended by
them. which the managers agreed to make,
but it was found that the theaters were
carrying out the regulations, with the eX-
ceptonS above mentioned, which, however,
are being remedied.
THE examination showed that the exits
are all lighted with red lights on a circuit
Independent of the stage, and plainly mark
ed with the word Exit; all exits open out
ward and are easily opened; that all the
theaterS have either a prCScenium arch of
solid brick other fire-reSiSting material
between the stage and the auditorium, ex-
cepting one of those whose license has been
withheld, which is under contract to put in
such fire-reGiSting material Immediately.
All the theaters have genuine asbestos cur
tains They have been all tested by sub
jectng them to a hot fire, and found alb
solutely fire-proof. All the theaters have
syklights of the prescribed dimensions, self
opening and held by rope to be loosened
By designated employe. or by the burning
o. the rope. All lighting in the theaters is
electrical. The switchboards and the wir-
ing are in proper condition. The aisles of
the theaters are in accordance with the
regulations The perforate ted pipes or au-
tomato sprinklers above the stage, and the
fire hose, eXtnguiSherS and other app-
ances for fighting fire, are in apparent good
order.
The managers of the theaters, in ac-
cordance with the police regulations de-
a a n ire
orders of the fire department and who Is
required to have no other duties during
performances. The police department sees
that all doors are unlocked, exit lights
liz and the rules observed