The San Francisco call., 1905-02-05
Jury ANSW ERS
LABOR'S LETTER
Foreman Andrews Explains
Why Certain Cheap Show
houses Are Kept Closed
THE LAW is VIOLATED
Drastic Measures Said to
Be Necessary for Protec-
tiOn of General Public

The Grand Jury has answered the
communication addressed to that body
by the California State Federation Of
Labor. The federation took the stand
that the closing Of certain of the 10-cent
theaters was a hardship on the work
ingman and his family, inasmuch as
the places of amusement in question
furnished at a minimum of expense
recreation for poor people, T. P An
drews, foreman Of the Grand Jury, yes
terday sent the federation the following
letter:
Harry A. Knox Esq, president; F.
j. Bennington, secretary, executive
council California State Federation Of
Labor. 1867 Market street, San Francis
co. Cal.-Dear Sirs: Replying to your
communication of recent date contain
ing a resolution purporting to issue
from the executive council Of the Cali
fornia State Federation Of Labor. in the
form Of protest against the alleged
closing by the Grand Jury of certain
theaters in this city and county with
out giving the owners an opportunity
TO comply with their views of the law
permit us to say: That it is the sworn
duty of the Grand Jury to inquire into
violations Of the statutes of our Safe
and the ordinances of our city. That
we are not permitted to take the views
Of individuals as to how theaters should
be constructed, but must be guided by
the experience of years, looking to the
safeguarding Of the lives of the people
who visit the theaters of our city. That
In the construction of the theaters to
which your resolution refers practically
every provision of the law has been
violated. That where the use of fire.
proof material is called for wood has
been utilized. That proper and safe ex
its have not been provided. That the
said theaters are located in buildings
of character prohibited by ordinances.
That at least four Of the places referred
to in your resolution have been report
ed upon as unsafe by the inspectors of
the Board of Public Works. That the
law in its wisdom, and for the safety
Of our citizens, provides that before
such places of amusement can open
they must obtain a license, and that
such license must not issue unless a
certificate as to safety is procured from
the Board Of Public Works. That such
certificate has been refused In the case
Of most of the theaters referred to, and
they are now being run without IL
cense and in open violation OF the law.
THAT in the ease Of the Baldwin The
ater city building inspector reported
at the time when alterations upon the
building in which 1t is conducted were
begun that II was impossible to open
a theater there and have it conform to
the ordinances. That Notwithstanding
this report the work was proceeded
with and the law hagrantly violated in
every particular.
1.-The Grand Jury cannot sit by and
see this done. Your organization, and
the men who compose it, we know do
not, and cannot, approve setting aside
the law.
You state that these are cheap
places of amusement patronized by the
working classes, but this is no argu-
ment why they should not be made as
safe and as comfortable as any thea
ters In this city. The children of all
classes Of our citizens flock to the
cheaper theaters, and it was with the
object OF protecting the lives Of the lit
tie ones that the ordinances regulating
the construction of theaters have been
adopted.
1T is to the advantage of the builds
ing trades that laws passed for sound
and safe construction or edifices be
lived UP to-. It is to the advantage of
those who work in and about theaters,
as well as for the thousands who pat
ronize them, that every precaution be
taken TO make them secure from the
danger OF fire and panic. These cheap
theaters are among the best paying in
the city. They can afford to comply
with the law. We wish to see the chill
dren and the grown persons of our
community provided with the best of
amusements and at prices within the
reach of all, but our main consideration /
Is the safety and security of life and /
limb and the upholding of. the law. /
Very respectfully.
'T p. ANDREWS,
ssForaYnau Grand 1r1rv