Evening star., 1938-10-25
CHICAGO DOCTOR
GIVES TESTIMONY
First Outside Witness to
Testify Before Medical
Monopoly Probe.

The special grand jury investigating
alleged restraint of trade" by the
American Medical Association and
the District Medical Society today ap-
parently extended the inquiry to en-
compass A. M. A. activities in Chi
cago
DR.. Charles r. Wiley, director OF
the Civic Medical Center in Chi
cago, was the principal witness at
today's hearing behind locked doors in
the new Police Court Building. The
jury adjourned at 1890 o'clock until
tomorrow morning.
Although the nature of his testi-
mony was secret. it was recalled
here that the Civic Medical Center has
been in controversy with the American
Medical Association regarding opera
ton by the center of a group prac-
tice clinic, according to reports from
Chicago.
Before the grand jury began its pro-
ceedings it was said at the Depart
ment of Justice that witnesses would
be brought from several outside cities
to give the jurors general picture
Of difficulties encountered by the group
health movement as a result of opposi-
ton by the A. NJ A. and its affiliated
organizations.
Optician Is Called.
Preceding Dr. Wiley into the grand
jury room was Emmet E. Jester, op-
tician, Of 1928 I street NV. Govern
ment attorneys declined to explain
the nature of testimony they desired to
obtain from Mr.. Jester The opticians S
office Is a few doors from the head
quarters OF Group Health Associat ton
and 1t is understood several members
of G. H. A. have had optical work done
there.
William c. Kirkpatrick, G. H. A.
president, was the sole witness before
the jurors yesterday. spending both
the morning and afternoon sessions
on the stand
Emerging from the grand jury room,
Mr.. Kirkpatrick emphasized that rules
of the court forbid discussion of testi-
mony before the grand jury.
Reiterates G. H. A. Purpose.
II desire to reiterate what has been
said many times" he said, that the
purpose of Group Health Associat ton
is to provide for its members and their
families adequate medical care at a
cost they can afford.
Believing as American citizens we
have every right to pursue this for
ward looking purpose, we are resolved
to continue along the course on which
we have embarked Enlightened
thought everywhere recognizes the
need and value of group practice OF
medicine. In accomplishing the task
we have set for ourselves we ask only
fair play and q free opportunity to
justify the worthwhileness OF our
course"
Mr.. kirkpatrick has been G. H. A.
president since January II, 1888. and
previously had been vice president
since its organization. He now is
supervisor of the tax section of Home
Owners Loan Corp.
Asked what he thought Of the new
limited indemnity plan for prepay
ment health insurance put forth by
the Medical Society, he said: I'VE
are delighted to see any plan that will
help to accomplish the thing we are
trying to do. regardless of whether it's
the Medical Society or any one else
that puts 1t forth.
I'VE have been hearing about the
plan for about year and a half, and
we hope that they are now in q posi-
ton to bring one forward. All we are
interested in is seeing to it that people
Of moderate means receive adequate
medical care, regardless of who pro-
yides It,"