Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-15
=. 81 AF2- ANLL-LI
EMERGENCY HOSPITAL
Continuation of the Friction Marking the
Management
Friend of DIR. Kerr's Makes n State
ment - Thinks Skill the
Only Requisite.

1t Is said that a large number of the
members of the board of directors of the
Emergency Hospital, comprising il is de-
clared, over two-thirds of the body have
determined to have some action taken on
the case of DIR. James Kerr the surgeon
ln-chlef, which will be more decisive in
character than that taken heretofore
AT the last and special meeting of the
board resolution, It will be remembered,
was adopted by a vote of IS to declaring
Il TO be the sense of the directors that the
best interests Of the hospital would he pro-
NOTED by DR.. Kerrs resignation. II was
believed that the intimation thus conveyed
would be recognized by DR.. Kerr, and that
aequiescence on his part would follow. but
the result was different, the surgeon-ln-
chief ignored the resolution entirely
rms action OF Dr. Kerr's, IT is now stated,
mas displeased several members OF the
BOARD who have hitherto supported him.
and 1t is said that President Boardman
Will call another special meeting In few
days, at which a resolution declaring the
position or surgeon-in-chief vacant will be
voted upon.
DIR. kerr's Position.
A friend of DIR. Kerr, spea king TO a Star
reporter of the troubles at the hospital. said
today:
THE quarrel between the surgeon and
Or. kerr's seeking. but forced upon him
by his associates. who I'm their charges OBJ
ject TO his 'manrerisms and methods even
though admitting there can be no question
of his professional ability When Congress
and the charitable people OF this city give
their money, time and thought to the sup
port OF this hospital, do they first desire
to see established in its most important
S c. a man whose urbanity shall make
him popular, or do they seek a surgeon
who can do his work supremacy well?
Wien suffering humanity is carried within
Its portals, is il a Chesterfield in politeness
diplomat in methods who is required. or
the man whose saga city and skill will sum-
mon back the fiuctuating life, and with
every method known to science save the
crushed and aching limbs? The pa
tients who are as much interested i'm the
matter as the dispensary staff have no
complaint to make of the surgeon-in-chief.
A strong character is often a rugged one.
The surgeon, more than any other man, is
confronted constantly by the srayeSt is
sues of life and death. His brain must be
quick. thought and action instant and
should he become somewhat arbitrary, can
ne not be pardoned so long as he neither
falters nor fails in his noble work?
Another charge brought by DR. Kerr's
enemies is that the annual meeting for
election of the board was irregular. That
ii was improper is conceded but the meth
DDS practiced by both factions were the
outcome of faulty bylaws, and the only
course possible. The party attacking DR..
Kerr calmly justify themselves by stating
that they acted only for the good of the
hospital, while DR. Kerrs friends we're in
fuenced solely by regard for him. What
right had one faction to Judge the motives
OF the otter? There were as good and
true and honest men and women on one
side as the other, and Or. Kerr's support
ers believe the best interests OF the hos
pital would be advanced by his retention.
1T has been stated that DR. Kerr has re-
fused to arbitrate. The ignominious terms
offered him Were that he should not seek
reelection after his present term, that In
any question in the field of his own work
surgery-he should give no opinion. but
submit 1t to the other members of the
staff and absent himself from all meetings
OF the stan. Would m an willing to accept
such dictation be able to maintain the
warm regard Of the best men in the pro-
fession and the respect of the community"