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

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Against Dr.. Lane Dismissed.
The investigation of the charges made by
Mrs. Walker against Dr. Lame was resumed
at 1p. NJ. yesterday before the Hospital Com
mittee of the Board of Supervisors, I. j.
Clunie appearing as counsel for the com
plainant, and DR.. 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,
ard finally DR.. Lame suggested that COM
planning witness be allowed necessary assist
auce. SO that complaint might be made
strong enough to hold water" He wanted
an investigation every month, so 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 jurisdicti
CiuAIAc iAidttSi NV liINp-
lous. 1t was the most important event in
the lifetime of Mrs. Walker. She had made
very grave charge. There was nothing
grayer 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 DR.. Lame with in
human conduct and demanded an investiga-
ton. he claimed that it was proper that
the Board and county should know whether
A. 4
may be maintained Tor all alike. Further
discussion followed as TO whether the iavesti-
CATION should be made, when finally, upon
motion, the matter was referred 10 the Board
of Supervisors, and the investigation pro-
ceeded.
DR.. Laine disclaimed any inhumanity in
his treatment of the complaining witness,
and further asserted that he would not per-
NIT any friend or relative Of his to remain in
the mems ward, because of its in6ecency
and he eourted an Investigation into his
actions il order that It's unfsLess 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 witr esses, which was pub
lshad yesterday. She claimed that she
should have been allowed to remain in the
room where her husband was, and not sent
out because it was the ward for males. She
stated that Dr.. Lame did not use force upon
her. lie simply placed his hands on her
ard 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. |
He would not consider it proper for woman |
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
nounced that they had no further testimony,
and rested their case.
DIR. Lame then offered the affidavit of Mr. |
Hood, which was read and placed on fle |
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 CT the records in the case
counsel for the prosecution moved that they
lie stricken from the files. Overruled.
Mr. brennan moved that the atfi1avits be
read, to which plaintiffs counsel obje ted.
He stated that it was an unheard"f
proceeding to attempt to read ex p3rte atii
dayits in any tribunal under heaven SIS ev.
dence. The Beard 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 a proper answer TO the allegations
made, and for the further reason that no case
has been made out against DIR. Lame that
would call for an investigation of any kind.
DIR. Lgine 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 Was done.
Mr.. Bl9ir moved that the statement be
stricken from the files. because grave and ia
warranted charges were preferred against
citizens OF Sacramento, which did not bel ng
10 the Board 60 examine.
Mr.. brennan could not see how docu-
uent already received GA file could be re-
jsctad.
TIE roll was called, and the motion to
strike cut vas oveyraled.
Piaiutitf's COUNSEL then asked the Board to
compel De. Lame to make his charges spe-
cific that he be instructed TO file supple
mental answer, so that the line Of his defense
could he determined.
DR.. Lame offered to withdraw bis state
meat, but upon vote of the Board was not
allowed to.
After considerable discussion, in which con-
earncstress. az least, was displayed
by members of the Board and the parties to
the case, Mr.. Bailey moved that the former
vote be rec9nsiGered. Carried.
It was then moved by MIR. Bailey that DIR.
Lame be permitted to withdraw his state
ment fled, and the motion was unanimously
carried.
The plaintiff counsel then moved that the
charges against DR.. EaiEe 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.