Friday, January 14, 2005
More From "100 Years Ago at JAMA"
A Physician Withstands a Mob.
...His conduct is in notable contrast to that of many cowardly public officials, whose failures at such times have brought dishonor on their names and on the reputation of their states. In this instance a murderer, himself badly wounded, lay in a hospital. A mob, bent on vengeance, was met at the hospital door by the surgeon-in-charge, who announced his intention to shoot any one who attempted to enter...The physician in this case upheld the best traditions of his profession as a life saver, and should receive the thanks of his brethren and of the community generally. It is a pity that public officials, sheriffs and the like in some portions of the country have not the pluck and regard for their obligations of this physician. He is undoubtedly in his proper place, but otherwise we should recommend the State of Georgia to put him in charge of its militia.
...His conduct is in notable contrast to that of many cowardly public officials, whose failures at such times have brought dishonor on their names and on the reputation of their states. In this instance a murderer, himself badly wounded, lay in a hospital. A mob, bent on vengeance, was met at the hospital door by the surgeon-in-charge, who announced his intention to shoot any one who attempted to enter...The physician in this case upheld the best traditions of his profession as a life saver, and should receive the thanks of his brethren and of the community generally. It is a pity that public officials, sheriffs and the like in some portions of the country have not the pluck and regard for their obligations of this physician. He is undoubtedly in his proper place, but otherwise we should recommend the State of Georgia to put him in charge of its militia.
