DUTY OF OFFICERS TO INSPECT THE THEATERS
The law is very particular in many respects concerning theaters of this kind, and it is very evident that it is the duty of some one to see that these provisions are enforced. The state has a department that looks after such affairs, but their visits to the different communities are few and far between. They can order all changes necessary in the arrangements of theaters which will make them conform to the law, but the question naturally arises, is this always done? Supplementing the state are the local officers, and this fact applies to Monongahela just the same as any other community in the commonwealth. They are sworn to protect and uphold the laws of the state, and this being the case, it is manifestly their duty at the present time to see that every local theater complies with each and every regulation as provided for by the statutes. Each and every theater building should be inspected, and if any of them fail to come up to the required standard, orders should be issued at once for the necessary changes. We do not say that any of these playhouses fall short in any way of the requirements, but it is the duty of our city officials to see that none of the essentials which are required by law are lacking.
This is not a case of friendship or good fellowship – as in the Canonsburg case, it may be one of life or death. - - Monongahela Times
CANONSBURG’S TERRIBLE NICKELODEON DISASTER
The Canonsburg disaster is on that calls for profound public pity and searching public investigation. This matter of inquiry is promised by the authorities of the state and the county, and it will doubtless be thorough and searching. Whatever measure of blame may be properly determined through these excellent and efficient agencies.
It is not likely, however, that any criminals will be discovered; nor any curious infraction of the laws regulating such places of amusement. It is evident, however, that there is something the matter with the law. It is plain that it is not broad enough. Its requirements should be expanded to a point of greater safety. It is patent that the present regulations do not guarantee safety.
Too many small theaters are both fire-traps and panic-snares. They lack a sufficient number of safe and easy exits. These they should be compelled to furnish. Factory inspection and regulation has been a law for many years. School houses were required to build fire escapes thirty years ago. Yet these bandbox moving picture shows and many more pretentious theaters have been permitted to entertain crowds which could not possibly escape in an actual fire or a mere panic without death or serious injuries.
The Canonsburg horror has pointed a moral and it is the duty of the coming legislature to act upon it. --Connellsville Courier.
REMEMBER CANONSBURG!
CANONSBURG, linked for all time to come with the memory of appalling disaster, is a grim symbol of panic murder whose horrible significance needs to be burned in letters of fire into the minds of every theater audience assembled daily and nightly at moving picture shows all over the land. Of their own accord ought to take a salutary step to impress people who need to be continuously impressed that their own crazy fear is their worst danger, as brutally shown in the Canonsburg theater, where there was neither smoke nor flame, yet an imbecile shriek of “Fire!” startled hundreds into a frantic crush, babies, children, women and men caught in a grinding mass of human madness and cruelty that sacrificed 26 lives and injured scores. If theater owners do not proceed on their own initiative, the law ought to compel the continual display of a warning against panicky outbreak. Preceding every performance there should be flashed on every moving picture screen in the United States a short, sharp injunction to beware of panic at any cry of fire, and to remember Canonsburg – 26 lives sacrificed in a panic rush. Take time! Take time! And everybody can sagely go out.-- Pittsburg Sun
The Law and the Picture Show
The law is very strict with respect to fire escapes and safety appliances at the theaters, and it should be equally so, and should be enforced with equal strictness, as to picture shows. The moving-picture show si the show of the general public. It is a popular diversion, and can be enjoyed at the sacrifice of but little time. Therefore it is proper that t should be preserved and enjoyed. But the safety of its patrons should be looked after by the officers of the law. - - Baltimore Sun