Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-16
SAFETY OF PATRONS
Rigid Examination of Moving
Picture Operators.
CONGRESS TO LEGISLATE
Recommendations Made by Electro
cal Engineer Allen.
RADICAL CHANGE IN METHODS
Chief Wagner of Fire Department
Suggests Defects in the
Present Regulations.

! Recognizing the great danger to the oc-
| cupants of moving picture theaters in the
/ case of a fire or panic, Fire Chief Frank
j. Wagner and Electrical Engineer Wal
/ ter c. Allen have recommended radica
| changes in the methods of examining
| operators OF moving picture machines, &c
make them more rigid.
! While the two officials arc agreed as
| to the general outlines of the eXamna-
| tions to be required they have not agreed
as to the method OF attaining the result
Commissioner mcfarland has approved
the suggestion of Electrical Engineer Al
| len that Congress be asked to pass a law
providing for the licensing of moving
picture machine operators and for the
purchase of apparatus to be used by ap-
rlicants in giving a practical demonstra-
ton of their ability to operate such ma
chimes.
Bringing the matter to the attention
of the Commissioners, Fire Chief Wagner
explained that under a section of the po-
lice regulations applicants for permits
to operate moving picture machines are
now required by the fire department TO
submit to a written examination. the
questions for which are prepared by tie
electrical department. The answers TO
the questions are marked by the electrl-
cal department and upon its rating ue-
ponds the action of the fire department
in issuing licenses.
Examinations Not Satisfactory.
ION several recent occasions the fire
chief continues. lit has been represented
to this department that the written ext
animation referred to is not satisfa Glory,
I'm that. while a person may be theoret-
tla W
ing picture machines, yet. from prac-
tical standpoint. he may not be qualified
for such work 1t has been urged. there
fore that the examination be made prac-
teal as we'll as theoretical.
I'm view of the fact that moving pic
ture theaters are generally we'll filled
and fire or panic would undoubtedly
place the occupants thereof in great dan
ger 1t is most important that persons
permitted to operate the machines In such
theaters should be thoroughly qualihed
for such work. and the examination OF
applicants for permits should be as rigid
as possible.
Makes Recommendation.
II have the honor to recommend, there
fore. that in addition to the written ex-
animation referred to above, all APP
plicants for permits to operate moving
picture machines IN the District of CO.
lImbia be required to give practical
demonstration of their ability to perform
such work As the fire department, how
ever is not versed In electrical matters
and would be unable to conduct such
practical examinations, 1t ia further rec
commended that an examining board be
appointed upon the recommendation OF
the electrical engineer and that the regu-
lations be so amended as to place the
issue for permits for moving picture ma.
SllDprVtSl0n
such operators under the jurisdiction OF
the electrical department.
1T is understood, OF course, that the
inspectors of the fire department will
render whatever assistance may be pos
sible i'm supervising the work of operators
of moving picture machines and any vio-
lations of the regulations noted by them
Will be promptly reported to the electro
cal department"
Electrical Engineers Comment.
Electrical Engineer Allen agrees that
there is need for making the examination
for such operators more practical In its
scope.
"Such a form of examination" he ex-
plains, would require the purchase OF
apparatus for which this department has
| no available funds. The holding OF sucf
examinations by this department would
necessarily add to the duties of the cleo.
| trical inspectors who are not overloaded
/ with routine work.
| Il would recommend that at present nc
change be made in the method OF hold
ing such examinations. and that bill
be introduced in Congress authorizing
the Commissioners to license the operators
! of moving picture machines to require
| them to pay an annual license FEE and &c
| purchase the necessary apparatus FOL
holding examinations for such licenses.