The evening times., 1896-11-18
.HH[PLY TO THE DOCTORS
Comments on the Report Of the Medical
Association.
RULE FOR AID TO THE SICK
President Lancaster of the Eastern
Dispensary says When I'm Doubt
the Physician Should Turn the
Applicant Away-Supt. Tracey
Thinks Care Is Used.

The action OF the Medical Association, as
detailed elsewhere in this issue OF The
Times, calling attention to alleged impo-
sitions at the hospitals, caused Considerable
discussion today, especially at the District
Building.
"a any such change the establish .nent
of central distribution bureau for the
hospitals is made, 1t will require the action
OF Congress. Before going to Congress such
a measure will be passed upon by the Com
missioners.
Col. hoss said this norninghe had notread
the report OF the medical association. and
it had not been brought officially to his no.
ticc. The Commissioners had not coilsid-
cred the matter at all.
Health Officer Woodward said it was
perhaps unfortunate that this matter OF
medical charity did not come under the
health department. The Recommendations OF
the committee was practically the same as
made by himself in his annual report ex-
cept that his plan was little broader than
the committees.
He recommended, in his report, that
board OF charities he established to take
charge OF the distribution not only OF medi-
cine but of coal, wood, clothing and other
necessities Unless the Associated Chair
ties was going to act in this capacity, lie
said, there ought TO be some central ufflce
whose secretary would investigate the
ttlSes Oi ants lDi hsip anu htIp "a o''
record OF every such case. In short time
there would be a history at hand of nearly
all applicants, from whichit could be quick
ly determined whether any particular per
son was deserving.
DR. woODwARD'S PLAN.
The number of special investigations
would soon bee ONE very small Win such
a record al u central office the physician
at the hospital, when III doubt, could tele-
phone and learn in few moments the
character of the person asking aid. ms
was practically the plan of the Associated
Charities, but that organization was not
in any way under government control.
This method, said Or. woodward, is
what was recommended by DR.. Warner,
the first charity superintendent, when he
completed his work. by the board of trade,
by Mr. W c. Dodge and others, who have
paid attention TO the matter.
Dr. Turner. i'll charge at the Emergency
Hospital IN the absence of DR.. West, said
he had not heard of the report of the Medical
Association. and knew nothing about the
matter Dr. West would speak for the
institution.
President W. j. Boardman, of the Emcr-
gency board is out OF the city, but VIII
return tomorrow The board will prob
ably give the matter early consideration.
President c. C. Lancaster, of the Eastern
Dispensary Board, said the protest OF the
association w as exactly in accord with the
position he had alw ays taken in the matter
He had cautioned physicians at the dlspcii-
sary TO treat no patients who ought To pay,
and had told them " hen in doubt to refuse
aid If common humanity did not call for an
opposite course.
DOUBTFUL CASES REFUSED.
lie pointed out the following statement
of the policy of the dispensary,. made in
,rfra f.4Est nr
Tracy.
IF the patient is not known to the mem
ber of the attending staff to whose chair
he has been assigned, a careful lnVcsl-
cation OF the patients condition Is theh
made, and If from his answers ana per
suual appearance he is in need OF char
liable assistance, he is treated and ncdi-
cine freely given. II, however, the 1nEes-
tiEation is unsatisfactory, the patient is
required to furnish evidence of his inability
TO employ regular physician, either from
reliable citizens or the police In order
10 prevent imposition, the benefit OF the
doubt is always given the institution.
The object and scope OF an institution of
this character, as understood by the man
ayers is to alleviate distress and pOv-
erty among suffering humanity, and not to
deprive the rnndical profession OF the fruits
OF their legitimate work by aiding or en-
cuuragiug people to impose on the gen.
erosity Of a benevolent public
BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
Col. Tracey said that he preferred not to
be quoted because he dealt with the sub
ieCt in his report soon to be made.
He believed that care was being exercised
already. and especial pains was being
taken now at the Emergency to prevent
help being given to the unworthy and those
able to pay There was doubtless some
imposition. but that could not be wholly
avoided. and it must hurt the practice OF
physicians to some extent.
He thought. however, that it was hetter
that some medicine be given where 1t
was not deserved than that any worthy
person 10 need should suffer Tor lack OF