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Show PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE. The theatres in Chicago, or noarly all, havo ton closed, because it is said that they are not any f ll W"ld be easy to create a Panlc In Dam ' and they aro so arnged that a C Would certainly bo followed by many deaths, and moro than that their construction is an incentive in-centive of panics. Wo suggest that a council committee com-mittee visit tho theatres and public halls and tho "various hotels and rooming houses in this city; that thoy take an architect and tho fire chief with them, and determino whether thore is danger to life or property, in the construction or management manage-ment of such places; then from what thoy see, if they think it necessary, draft ordinances to euro any present defects, and In the ordinances Include a method to havo them onforced. The stage of a theatre with its scenory is a most inflammablo place. A spark is enough to kindle a sudden and great conflagration. Once started, unless tho thought can be impressed on the minds of tho audience, that they can, without oxcitoment, be in tho open air in a minuto or two, there is no tolling toll-ing what will happen, for in a panic men aro bereft alike of pity and consideration for others. There aro othor safeguards. Most fires, if reached soon after thoy are started, aro put out by chemical engines. en-gines. If an audience know that behind the scenes a fireman was always on guard with fire-oxtin-guishers, ready during overy performance, that fact would go far to allay all apprehension. Then if every exit were to be fixed like the heavy doors of the fire department building, to bo opened by the simple pull of a cord, and held open by heavy springs, that, too, would be an assuranco of safety. Tho matter should be an immediate concernment to the city fathers. |
