The Washington times., 1909-05-15
L. Duncan Bulkley, Over
Phone to The Times,
Confirms Report.
SPECIALIST ANGRY
AT CHARGES MADE
Says His Profession Gives Him
the Right to Visit
the Man.

officials Of the Health Department
were astonished today BY a statement
made BY Mrs Early. wife of the Ieper.
John Early, that her husband had been
examined by Dr. l.. duncan BuIkIey,
Of New York city. and had been pro-
nounced free from the disease.
DR.. Bullzley, who IS said TO be an
eminent specialist on diseases of the
skin, was asked by The Times. over
the iong-distance telephone this after
noon il these two statements from Mrs
Early were true
i am not In a position az the pres
ent time to make any statement what
ever with regard TO this matter" said
Dr. Bulkley. MY report viii come out
later. can not say at the present time
anything about It.
1T is true L made the examination
last Sunday, but just now I cannot say
anything more"
Dr. BuIkeleys attention was called
to the fact that he was severely crit
icized by the officials of the Wash
ington Health Department, particular
Iy by DR.. Woodward, for having mESe
the examination without first announe-
ing TO the department his intention 70
10 so. He was informed that Ia. Wood
ward had termed this a breach Of go
fessisnal etiquette.
Thinks He Was Justified.
II do not see what objection can be
raised against my having gone to exam
- hof0~e 80 a state
do that and neither can Lnar OF y, sssi.-
lngton. have a perfect right to vlsit
Mr. Eeariy II he desires me TO do So
aEc 70 make any examination he wishes
10 permit.
THAT is all I care to say about the
matter at tie present time
DR.. BUlkiey was very much incsnsed
by the structures that have been passed
upon MIN by Ire Washington officials
but he declined . say in what manner
his report would be given 10 the pub
lie He said he didn't know whether it
would bs published in a mF liCaI Journal
or ia some other form
VIII Investigate Story.
Health OFFICER Woodward saki today.
however. that he would inTesagate
Mrs Early's story further. and would
address to the New York physician a
letter giving him an opportunity TO
deny that he committed such a breach
of professional etiquette" If II is
found that the physician was permitted
TO examine Early, the Watchman in
cnarge OF the leper viii be discharged.
I am loath TO believe that a reput-
able physician would StOOp 10 such
practices said Health OFFICER Wood
ward today. TO examine Early with
out Uhe knowledge or consent Of the
Health Department was a violation not
only of professional etfguerfe hfff ~
decent courtesy. Moreover, it was en-
UreIy unnecessary, as he would have
experienced no difficulty In obtaining
the consent Of the department
Asks For Explanation.
4 am writing him today to give him
an opportunity 10 deny that he visited
Early under such circumstances. or il
possible 10 give some explanation OF
Sucn extraordinary procedure. This de-
Dartment IS willing TO permit any re-
physician TO examine Early,
and we would only be too glad 70 dis
cover that the man is not a Ieper and
would no longer be charge upon tbs
district"
It was said today that the specialist
expects TO return to Washington ani
make further examination Of the
eper-
IF such is the case" gaid. the health
}fhcer. he VIII have TO obtain the sane
ion Of this department and produce evil
teuce 20 show that he IS q competent
authority"