The Washington times., 1922-02-10
i R|CT
INSPECTOR
CAVE D. K.
To CHANGE
Blame for Disaster Is Shifted
by Architect and Truss
Maker.

Frank L. Wagner, who con-
structed the Knickerbocker Theater,
stated at the coroner's inquest to-
day that he had not determined the
cause of the accident. He said he
had not had any experience at thea
ter building until he constructed the
Knickerbocker. He also said that
since then he had built the Metro
politan Theater.
Admits Specifications Change.
Wagner admitted that some Of
the steel beams used in the con-
struction of the theater roof were
net those called for in the original
specifications and plans.
He said that JIM. Ford suggested
that some of the larger sections
called for in the plans could not be
gotten without some delay. and that
he had at hand some steel that
could be utilized as a substitute.
"Mr. qeare conferred with Mr..
Ford and the plans were then
changed 80 the sections Mr.. Ford
had on hand could be used In the
roof of the building" said Mr.. wag-
ner. THE changed plans were sub
mitted to the building inspectors
office and were approved"
Bolts Were Used.
Reginald w. Geare. the architect,
who drew the plans and specifica.
tions for the knickerbocker. and who
supervised the work of construction,
recalled to the witness stand, ad-
mitted that bolts, instead of rivets,
were used in bracing the steel and
iron frame of the roof.
Mr.. Geare also declared that on
several visits Of inspection Of the roof
Of the building he had noticed a pro
nounced vibration of the trusses and
beams, caused, he said, by the street
cars crossing Eighteenth street and
Columbia road, at point near the
theater.
"I made this discovery last sum.
mer," said Mr.. Geare. IT think Il
was In June, when I was on the
flooring above the ceiling and under
the roof
The architect left the Inference
that this alleged vibration may have
in some way been responsible for the
loosening of some OF the supports
and the collapse OF the theater
roof.
Geare, however, reiterated his
statement Of yesterday that one Of
the beams was defective, that he
believed it was defective before
placed in the roof. He further sug-
gested that this portion Of the beam
be sent to the Bureau of Standards
for analysis.
THAT will be DONE" rejoined
District Attorney Gordon.
poration Counsel Hart, Mr.. Geare
was asked why he had permitted
the use of bolts instead of rivets in
bracing some of the beams.
do not the specifications plainly
state that rivets were to be used?"
Did Not Tell Of Change.
"Yes, SIR" replied Geare, but the
building code does not forbid the
use of bolts"
But did you notify the Building
Inspector that you were using bolts
instead Of rivets as the specifica.
tions called for?" asked Mr.. Hart.
II do not believe that did," re-
piled the witness.
which are believed to be the
stronger--bolts or rivets?" asked
Mr.. Hart.
II DO not Know, but i have been
told that one is about as strong as
the other"
"As a matter Of fact" questioned
District Attorney Gordon, "is it not
true that rtvets are considered
about 20 per cent stronger than
bolts"
II don't know, but I think bolts
are just as good il they don't be-
come loose"
Commissioner Refused Change.
els It n practice for contractors
to use bolts instead OF rivets with
out notifying the Building Inspec-
tori"
Yes, there Is nothing In the
building regulations which denies
the use of bolts"
1t also developed from Geare's
testimony that the District OFF,
cials refused to allow Geare to
change the original plans for q
building lower than that called for.
He said he wanted to make q
lower building, but this was re-
fnssA - said also that objection