The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1909-01-29
Ex-COuncilman Montgomery Has
New Fire Escape Law.
Would Put Hand Grips in the
Walls.
TORN is IN CUBA.
Writes That He Is Having a
Good Time.
j. w. WOOdfOrd Is DIR. ID. NJ.
Campbell's Assistant.

A new fire escape has been suggest
ed by former Councilman E Mont
gomery and it has been most heartily
approved by Fire Marshal Wilmarth
Assistant City Engineer Arnold is now
drawing up the plans for the new
escape and it will be issued to the fire
department for final approval as soon
as it is finished. 1t is an altogether
new arrangement and is different than
anything ever attempted along this
line. 1t is not only practical and safe
but it is cheap and a building like the
National hotel could be fitted and
equipped with every detail at cost of
by Mr. Montgomery is to have between
every window on the hotel about three
hand grips resembling those prefxed
on a box car. These would extend up
about three feet from the foot of the
window. Just below the window would
be an iron rod running along the side
Of the building. This rod would be
used as a hand rail. Below this hand
rail would be a running board. 1t
would be constructed of iron and the
footboard itself would be in the form
of 'sT'' for strength. It would be in
serted on a running rod supported by
a bracket. This running board would
be about four inches in width and
would extend out eight inches from
the wall. A person who desired to
escape from burning building could
swing himself out on the hand grips
which would be a very easy task on
account of the nearneSS of them and
he would then let himself down on the
running board just above the window
in the next story below. He would
nave the hand rail to take as a grip
and in this situation he could walk
clear around the building if necessary
or at least until he came to the nearest
1re escape and then climb down to the
ground. If the fire cut him off from
all fire escapes he could crouch down
on the foot board and hand holds and
there would be safe from the flames
until the f1remen could reach him. The
plan is a very simple one and would
cost little money. Chief WiImarth is
very much pleased with the idea and
is anxious to see the technical plans
when they are finished.
One of the first effects of the new
fire escape law was found last evening
when the anagement of the Novelty
theater asked permission from the fire
marshal to construct a stairway from
the gallery floor to the ground on
Quincy street The stairway is to be
fire proof and will be a very advan-
tageous escape in case of fire. 1t will
be useful at any time, allowing the
people in the galleries to leave the
building without going through the
lobby and swelling the crowds. The
Novelty is also constructing a double
door at the stage entrance in order to
cut out the light that is thrown on the
stage when the door is opened during
a performance.
Four boys are the result of a brain
storm on the part of the Topeka physi-
clans who actually remembered to
send in the days birth report to the
city physician. The lucky parents are
Mr.. and Mrs. George Fogg of North
Topeka, Mr.. and Mrs. J. Hickox. SIS
Van Buren,, Mr.. and Mrs. John Lowry,
East Twenty-frst street, Mr.. and Mrs.
Ray Hall, 1872 Jefferson.
The claims and accounts committee
of the city council is meeting this