J. C. Delaney, State Factory Inspector, who came from Harrisburg to attend the inquiry, spoke to the jury at the afternoon session. He stated that his department does not have the superintendancy of the erections of buildings, but is to see to the regulations of exits, fire escapes, aisles, etc. Inspections of buildings are made by representatives of the department. Inspector Delaney said that the Canonsburg building is practically within the law. There may be some technical infringements, as the foot of the stairway exceeds the five feet allowed by law. The doors take up more space than allowed by law, but the building having been erected before the law was enacted, the deputy factory inspectors have hesitated to insist on an exact compliance with the law, but they should do so.
By act of the legislature of 1876 absolute power is vested in the local authorities to exercise control over such buildings as the Opera House, but the boroughs seem to be in ignorance of the powers they have. The chief inspector said he hopes the burgess and council, with the deputy factory inspector, will see that such changes are made that will forever prevent another such catastrophe.
He said all laws seem to have been complied with, except at the door, which is too narrow. He explained his efforts to send a bill through the legislature to provide for safety in theaters etc., and while the senate passed it, the house killed the measure.
Mr. Delaney directed the burgess to close up the other moving picture show house here as there is but one aisle in a room of 22 feet. Amusement houses, above the first floor, said Inspector Delaney, should have the widest possible stairway possible.
After saying that the people of Canonsburg had his heart’s sincerest sympathy, Mr. Delaney left the building.