The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-01-26
Coronsr's Jury Reports Promptly
Regarding Chicago Horror.
THEATRE MANAGER NAMED ALSO
Six Other Names Were Sent to the Grand
Jury, Including the Building Officers
and Fire Chief.

Chicago, Jan. 26.-The coroner's jury,
ing to evidence relating to the fire In
the frcauois theatre. last night returned
verdict by which the following persons
ere held to await the action OF the grand
Jury:
Carter II. Harrison, mayor OF Chicago.
Will II. Davis. proprietor in part and
manager OF the theatre.
George williams. building commits
sicner of Chicago.
Edward Laughlin. building Inspector
under williams
William sallers, fireman In the theatre.
James r. Cummings. stage carpenter.
William McMullen. who had charge OF
the light that caused the hre
W. II. Musham, chief OF Chicago fire
department.
II was not generally thought that the
Jury would be able TO make a report so
promptly. and when IL retired TO con-
sdder the evidence Coroner Traeger an
nounced that he did not expect a verdict
before this morning. There was con-
siderable surprise when the jury an
II had reached verdict and was ready
70 report
ALL WERE ARRESTED.
IL was AT once decided by the coroner
that all men who had been held by the
verdict to the grand jury should be
taken into custody last night. i.e. there
fore, prepared warrants for their arrest
and called upon the police TO serve the
warrants.
As soon as the finding OF the jury was
announced details OF officers we're sent
for the men named In the verdict, with
orders 60 bring them In at once, and IL
they could not furnish ball they were
to be taken 10 the county jail for the
night.
The findings " the jury follow:
The cause of the nre was drapery
coming IN contact with a flood or arc
lfghti city laws were not complied with
relating to building ordinances regulating
fire alarm boxes. fire apparatus, dampers
or nues on and above the stage and fly
galleries.
THE CAUSES.
There was violation of the ordinance
requiring freproohng OF scenery and all
woodwork on and about the stage.
Asbestos curtain was inadequate and
was destroyed.
that aisles we're enclosed on each side
Of the lower boxes and i'm the absenc.
OF n-e apparatus on the orchestra floor.
Building ordinances were Violated In
that there was no Are apparatus in the
gallery or first balcony"
win J. Davis Is held responsible as
president and general manager.
In relation TO Mayor Harrison. the ver-
dict reads follows:
IVA bold tsortor III uorvieop
OF the city OF Chicago. responsible, as
he has shown lamentable lack OF force,
and for his Efforts 20 escape RESPONSE
bility."
Building Commissioner williams was
hello For gross neglect Of his duty in
allowing the theatre TO open its doors TO
the public when the said theatre was in
complete. and did not comply with the
building ordinances OF the city OF Chit
cago."
FOR GROSS NEGLECT.
Fire Marshal Musham was held re-
eponsible for Gross neglect Of duty in
not enforcing the city ordinances and
failure 10 have the subordinate. William
sallers. fireman at the theatre report to
him the lack or fire appartus In tho
theatre"
eallers was held for not reporting the
lack OF appartus: McMullen for care.
lesness in handling the light that caused
the fire; Cummings stage carpenter
for not providing the stage with proper
fire protection.
After the jury had departed II was de-
sided by Coroner Traeeer that ~ would
he necessary 10 arrest Mayor Harrison,
Fire Marshal Musharn and Building Com
missioner williams tonight and no officers
were sent for them. They will be given
q chance 10 offer bonds for their appear
ance when wanted.
A special grand jury will he convened
next week to decide what act shall be
taken or the report ofthe coroner's jury
Convictions mean removal from office In
addition 10 any other penalty.