Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-01-21
THE HOSPITAL CASE.
The Investigation Concluded and Charges
Against Dr.. Lane Dismissed.

The investigation of the charges made by
Mrs. Walker against DR.. Lame was resumed
at P N. yesterday before the Hospital Com
mittee of the Board of Supervisors, L. j.
Clunie appearing as counsel for the COM
plainant, and DIR. Lame conducting his own
defense. Some time was consumed In the
opening, discussing the form of the charges
and in relation to their not being sworn to,
and finally DR.. Lame suggested that COM
planning witness be allowed necessary assist
auee, so that complaint might be made
strong enough to hold water" He wanted
an investigation every month, 50 that he
might know that the business of The month
had been settled forever.
Mr.. Christy thought the investigation had
gone far enough, as there was nothing in the
complaint charging Dr. Lame with i'll treat
ment of any patient IN the hospital. Within
the hospital building DIR. Lame was supreme
in power, and had done nothing worthy OF
condemnation in di.charge Of his duty to his
patients, and he therefore moved that the
matter be Indefinitely postponed. He also
claimed that the charges were frivolous and
did not come within their Jurisdiction.
Mr. Ciunie thought the matter not frivo-
lous. 1t was the most important event in
W
a very grave charge. There was nothing
graver than the charge OF inhuman treat
ment as alleged, and in order that the matter
might be brought before this Board properly,
he then charged DIR. Lame with In
human conduct and demanded an investiga-
ton. He claimed that it was proper that
the Board and county should know whether
the charges are well founded, that justice
may be maintained for all alike. Further
discussion followed as 10 whether the inyesti-
CATION should be made, when finally, upon
motion, the matter was referred TO the Board
of Supervisors, and the investigation pro.
ceeded.
Dr.. Lame disclaimed any inhumanity in
his treatment of the complaining Witness
md further asserted that he would not per-
mit any friend or relative Of his TO remain in
tee mems ward, because of its in6ecency,
and he courted an Investigation into his
actions in order that its unftness for woman's
presence might be Disclosed to the public
gaze, and himself indicated.
Mrs. Walker took the stand and gave her
statement In relation to the transaction,
which did not vary materially from the testi-
mony Of other witnesses, which was pub
lished yesterday. She claimed that she
should have been allowed to remain in the
room where her husband was, and not sent
out because il was the ward for males. She
stated that Dr.. Lame did not use force upon
her. He simply placed his hands on her
shoulders and commanded her, roughly, "to
get out of here"
Mr.. Hood, an inmate of the hospital, test.
fed that all he knew about the matter was
that Dr.. Lame ordered her cut of the ward
There were 10 beds in the ward, and II of
them were occupied. He did not see any
violence used to compel Mrs. Walker to leave.
I 10 ytyDpld or e.,
to remain in the ward on ordinary occasions,
but under greater considerations it would.
DIR. Laine here offered an affidavit given by
the witness, certifying to his (Dr. Laine's)
general good management of the hospital
Upon objection being made it was ruled out
by the Board as improper at this stage of the
case.
The counsel for the prosecution here an
that they had no further testimony,
and rested their case.
DIR. Lame than offered the affidavit of Mr..
Hood, which was read and placed on file.
Other affidavits 1.-THE substance of which were
given in yesterdays report) were offered by
DIR. Lame. As they were already before the
Board as part Of the records in the case,
for the prosecution moved that they
be stricken from the files. OVerruled.
MIR. brennan moved that the affidavits be
read to which plaintiffs counsel objected,
He stated that it was an unheard-af
to attempt to read ex parte atfi-
davits in any tribunal under heaven SIS evil
dence. The Bsard decided to dispense with
the reading.
Dr. Lame then offered to outline his de-
Tense, which consisted of statement already
on file in the Board. He was here inter
rupted by the plaintiffs counsel, who asked
that the statement be stricken from the files,
as it is not proper answer TO the allegations
made, and for the further reason that no case
has been made out against DIR. Lame that
would cali for an investigation Of any kind.
DIR. Laine replied that with this public
by Plaintiffs counsel he was
willing to submit the case on its merits.
The Board decided that the statement
might be read, which YVES done.
Mr.. Blair moved that the statement be
stricken from the iles, because grave and ua-
charges were preferred against
citizens OF Sacramento, which did not belong
TO tie Board 90 examine.
Mr.. Dreman could not see how docu-
ment already received on tite could be re-
jscted.
The rel was csllsd, and the motion to
strike cut was orerruled.
Plaintiffs counsel tben asked the Board to
compel Dr.. Lame to make his charges spe-
ciic; that he be instructed so file a supple
mental answer, so that the line Of his defense
could he determined.
DR.. I.aine offered TO withdraw his state
uent. but upon vote of the Board was not
allowed to.
After considerable discussion. in which con-
siderable earnestress. az least, was displayed
by members Of the Board and the parties to
the case, Mr.. Bailey moved that the former
vote be reconsidered. Carried
1t was then moved by MIR. Bailey that DIR.
Lame be permitted to withdraw his state
ment filed, and the motion was unanimously
carried.
The plaintiffs counsel then moved that the
charges against DIR. IaiEe be dismissed, as
he was satisfied by the evidence that the
doctor did not exceed his authority in the
premises The motion prevailed, and the
Board adjourned.