The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-12-23
EMPIRE THEATRE
WILL GET PERMIT
Inspector Beck Satisfied on EN-
animation After Writing
Major Werner.
ISSUE IT THIS AFTERNOON
New Presbyterian Church in
Paramount Must Await
Councils Action.


Although Building Inspcctor Beck
notified Chief of Police Werner yestcr-
ily that The Empire Theatre had not
pcen granted permit and that the
Police Department was expected to
prevent the formal opening on Monday
he announced last night that the per-
init would probably be issued this ar-
ternoon. This statement was made
by Mr. Beck after he had Inspected
the house and had found that nearly
all of the demands from his depart
ment had been complied with. There
are one or two matters to he arranG-
cd to-day, although Mr.. Beck is sa tbs
fled that everything will be in shape.
Major Werner was informed that the
house would therefore be opened on
Christmas Day as advertised. The
mana cement went right to work when
1t heard of Mir. Beck's letter. and by
so doing met all his requirements.
Letter to Major Werner.
Mr.. Beck yesterday morning sent the
following letter to Major Werner. call
ing his attention to three distinct mat
tcrs:
NO permit has been issued to tho
Empire Theatre for any opening on
Christmas Day, as advertised. This is
to notify you that any attempt to open
this building, unless il shall be done on
a duly authorized permit, is in violation
of the city ordinance. and / trust you
Will take the proper steps to see that
the place is kept closed until this per-
NIT Is obtained. The building in It's
present condition fails to meet the re-
uuirements of this Office and of tho
Chief of the Fire Department
"Johnson's Hall, on Leigh street near
ST. James Street. has not received a
permit to open. and any use OF this
hall is also n violation OF existing city
ordinances.
The Presbyterian Church in Fair
mount has not received. and will not
receive, a permit from this office, as
the church Itself was erected upon n
special ordinance from tho Council. and
it's opening must likewise be sanctioned
by that body. as I decline to authorize
Its opening under the present ordl-
nance"
Meets Code Requirements.
Thc new Empire Theatre was erected
by NJ. L. Hofheimer and leased by q
syndicate headed by Jake Wells as a
high-gradc vaudeville house. seating
1.l0o patrons. 1t Is an expensive and
highly ornamented building. practically
freproof. and meeting the Building
Code requirements as to the cOnstruc-
ton of theatres better than any exist
ing theatre In the city. being the only
theatre erected since the new code was
adopted. 1t Is stated that the defects
arc of a minor character. being mainly
the failure to install red lamps and
painted signs indicating the exits. fire
hose and connections and similar ap-
pltances which city ordinances require
in buildings of this character.
City ordinances arc very specific that
no. theatre or similar public building
can be opened without written per-
NIT from tho Building Inspector and
the Chief of the Fire Department who
must certify that after examination
they find the building to comply with
city ordinances as TO safety devices
and appliances.
Johnson's Hail. on Leigh Street. needs
fire escapes and other provisions for
public safety 1t is designed TO be
used by colorcd people.
New Presbyterian Church.
In the case of the new Presbyterian
Church in Paramount, Mr. Beck takes
the ground that since the Council has
taken that matter out of his hands,
any permission for its opening and use
must be granted by tho Council. Some
months ago the officers of the First
Presbyterian Church applied for per-
mission 10 erect small frame chapel
i'll Paramount as a gathering place for
the Presbyterian families living in that
vicinity. the plan being TO use this place
of worship as a nucleus around which
TO gather n sufficient congregation to
justify the erection later of per-
mancnt brick church building. The
Building Inspector refused permit,
since the plans for the frame chapel
did not meet the requirements OF the
Building Code. a special ordinance
was introduced and adopted by the
Council. granting TO George r. Cannon
and others the right TO erect a franc
chapel at the point indicated, and tho
new building is now practically COM
plcted. Under the circumstances, Mr..
Beck says he will not assume the risk
Of its use. nor VIII the Chief of the
Fire Department sanction the crowdinE
of people into n structure of this char
acter. The new chapel therefore. can
not be used save by the express permits
sion of the City Council.
Johrson's Hall. used by colorcd peo-
pie, will get no opening permit until fire
escapes are provided.