The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-01-16

Chicago. Jan. 16.-The coroners in
quest over the victims OF the Iroquols
theatre fire yesterday was given over to
witnesses from the fire department.
Chief Musham and several OF his high
est ranking assistants were the wit
nesses.
Chief Musham declared that in his
opinion II was the duty of the building
commissioner TO report to him IL the
ire protection in the theatre was in
adequate. No report had ever been made
to him and he had taken no action in the
matter.
Building Commissioner williams pre-
viously testified that II was not the bust
ness Of his office to report on fire pro-
lection, but that II was a matter en-
tirely belonging to the fire department.
Chief Musham was greatly moved and
his voice broke as he answered ques-
tions implying that many lives might
have been saved IL he had inspected the
theatre to see II IL was properly pro-
tected against fire. He declared that
there was nothing he would not do to
save lives, and that II he had In any way
failed I'm his duty II was only, because
ne had administered the Affairs OF his
department In the same manner as had
prevailed since the fire department ex-
listed in Chicago.
NOI III Do With
Chief Musham said that he had moth
Ing TO do with the Iroduois theatre. He
testified that he had never received any
report as 10 the condition of the Iro-
quois theatre previous to the fatal fire.
A former member of the fire department
was stationed at that playhouse and
according TO the city ordinance Il was
the fireman's duty to report at least once
week to the fire marshal in order TO
keep the department advised OF any ne
glect on the part OF the management OF
tho theatre TO prepare for the safety OF
the public.
The witness was asked why he did not
insist upon receiving his reports. Chief
Musham replied that the only explana-
tion he could give was that there were
80 many fires I'm the city at that time
that he was kept busy day and night.
Besides he did not consider that he had
any control over the actions Of the fire.
man who was employed by managers OF
the theatre.
When questioned "a to why he had
never made any written statement TO
his Supporters 10 the effect that he could
not enforce any OF the ordinances In
reference TO theatres Chief Musham re-
piled:
I'VE never had any trouble with
theatres previous to this. and there
would not have been any trouble IL that
lamp had not been there or the care
less handling OF st."
WAS NOT NOTIFIED.
isn't II a fact that you were not ia
mlliar with your duty as far as making
ten owners OF theatres comply with the
city ordinance II concerned7"
II don't think I have had authority TO
do it. This theatre was opened without
my knowledge. IL had been notified I
certainly could have inspected IL my
self"
Chief Musham insisted that the fault
lay in the fact that he had not been no
tilted by other city officials OF the open
Ing OF the theatre.
"If the commissioner OF buildings
shirks his work. are you supposed TO
shirk yours7"
mo. sir. but I don't consider I have
any right TO interfere with him"
Don't you think II is your duty 20 con-
fer with that man. knowing that these
buildings are not complying with the
laws"
We'll. don't know but what that Is
right but I think he is the one that