A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY / 
/ 
of it 
-\,m • 
RECENT DISSENSIONS 
IN THE 
District Medical Society 
FOR THE 
COUNTY OF HUDSON, 
N. J. , 
Compiled by J. E. CULVER, M. D. 
IJotH: 
Powers, Macgowan Clipper, 
Corner Nassau and Frankfort Streets, 
(8un Boildinq ) 
1873. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS 
The object of this publication is to arrange in readable print a full and 
complete compilation from the Minute Book of the Hudson Co. District 
Med. Society, and other documents, of all that therein explains, or in any way 
relates to, past and existing differences among the members. The transcrip- 
tions are faithful copies, without correction of grammatical errors They 
embrace a diversity of topics, and extend back more than a decade of years. 
Explanatory notes accompany them whereever necessary to a correct appre- 
ciation of the facts. 
Our reasons for undertaking this task are : 
1. It is intended to appeal to the New Jersey Medical Society to sustain 
the rights of the regular officers and members of the Hudson Co. District 
Med. Society, against a quasi rival faction, composed of a large minority of 
the members, and several other parties that are not members, who have 
conspired together unlawfully to assume the name and exercise the powers 
of the Hudson Co. District Med. Society. 
2. The said faction has already hastened to forestall public opinion, and 
has, to this end, published in the daily papers certain malicious misstate- 
ments derogatory to their former associates, which are well calculated, and 
possibly they were intended, to deceive and prejudice even the tribunal to 
which we purpose to submit our case. 
3. To understand fully, and weigh accurately, all the evidence to be 
adduced concerning the dissensions alluded to, and the near and remote 
causes of them, will require close and prolonged attention; and it is much 
easier to read, refer to, and comprehend the matters involved in the questions 
at issue, if they are presented in letterpress, rather than in manuscript. 2 
HISTORY. 
Dr. I. N. QUIMBY’S CANDIDATURE. 
Hudson Co. District Med. Society, 
Regular Monthly Meeting, 
November 19th, 1800. 
Dr. E. IV. Buck proposed Dr. I. N. Quimby for membership. 
Regular Meeting, 
December 24th, 1860. 
Dr. Quimby was unanimously rejected. 
Regular Meeting, 
June 5th, 1868. 
Dr. M. A. Miller proposed Dr. I. N. Quimby for membership. 
Regular Meeting, 
July 7th, 1868. 
The Society then proceeded to ballot for Dr. Isaac N. Quimby, who 
received two affirmative votes, and fourteen negative, with one blank. 
Dr. T. F. Morris presented the following, which was adopted: 
Whereas, Dr. Quimby has been rejected by the Society, therefore be 
it resolved: That it will be considered a violation of the Code of Ethics for 
any member of this Society to meet or consult with him professionally, or 
any other applicant who may hereafter be rejected. 
Dr. Morris moved that the Secretary notify Dr. Quimby that he was 
rejected ; and also notify all members of this Society of his rejection ; and 
notify the Rathological Society of New York, and the Academy of Medicine, 
that he was rejected for repeated and gross violations of the Code of 
Ethics; the vote standing fourteen in favor of rejection, two against, with 
one blank. 
Regular Meeting, 
December 1st, 1868. 
Dr. F. G. Payn proposed for membership, Dr. I. N. Quimby. (He was 
rejected by ballot, January 5th, 1869; the vote counted is not recorded in 
the minutes.) 
Regular Meeting, 
May 4th, 1869. 
Dr. J. E. Culver offered the following Resolution : That Dr. I. N. 
Quimby be accepted as a candidate tor membership, and that the Committee 
appointed in his case shall withhold their report until perfectly satisfied as to 
the eligibility of the candidate. Proposal accepted ; and Drs. Culver, Payn, 
and Varick were appointed a Committee to report at leisure. 
Regular Meeting, 
September 7th, 1869. 
Reports of Committees.—The Committee on Dr. Quimby reported 
having met, and decided to postpone their report for six months. 
Dr. Morris then moved that the Committee be discharged. Seconded, 
and carried. It was then moved, and seconded, that the Society resolves 
itself into a Committee of the whole, to consider the case of Dr. Quimby. 
Carried. 3 
Regular Meeting, 
November 2nd, 1869. 
Committee of the whole on Dr. Quimby reported; and, on ballot, he was 
unanimously rejected. 
Note.—The above items serve to illustrate the history of the rejections of Dr. Quimby, and 
to show the exceeding captiousness of Dr. Morris. Dr. Quimby is but very remotely connected 
with the present disturbances in the District Med. Society. His influence probably led the 
Regents of the Hudson Co. Hospital to infringe and violate the rights of the District Med. 
Society, and chiefly dictated their staff appointments. Through his exertions the Hudson Co. 
Path. Society, as a rival to the District Med. Society, was organized. It is proper to state that 
Dr. Morris’ 2nd Resolution, quoted, was passed without being heard and understood by several 
of the members, including the President. 
HUDSON COUNTY HOSPITAL. 
The Charter of the Hudson County Hospital was granted by the New 
Jersey Legislature, during the Session of 1860-61. 
The first amendment to the Hudson County Hospital Charter was 
obtained by Dr. Quimby clandestinely, without the knowledge or consent ot 
the District Med. Society, or of the Hudson County Hospital medical staff 
then existing. It increased the number of Regents from ten to twenty. It 
passed the New Jersey Legislature during the Session of 1868-69. 
The second amendment to the Hudson County Hospital Charter passed 
the New Jersey Legislature during the Session of 1869-70, after expensive 
lobbying. It deprived the District Med. Society of its franchise guaranteed 
in the original Charter; and enabled the Regents to appoint “ such and so 
many physicians and surgeons ” on the Hospital staff, independently of any 
moral or professional standing or qualifications. Several of the Regents, in 
violation of their trust, concerted with Dr. Quimby to procure this enact- 
ment. 
Regular Meeting, 
December 7th, 18(i9. 
Dr. Morris moved that the President appoint a Committee of five mem- 
bers to wait upon the Regents of the Hudson County Hospital, and urge 
their compliance with the present Charter, so far as relates to the appoint- 
ment of the Hospital staff. Drs. Talson, Chabert, Payn, Culver, and Forman 
were appointed. 
Note.—The Committee agreed to meet the Regents at Taylor’s Hotel, December 20th, 
1869. Owing to the inclement weather, only Drs. Talson and Culver attended. They pre- 
sented the following paper, which was read to the Regents by the Rev. V. V. Mabon. 
APPEAL TO THE BOARD OF REGENTS OF THE HUDSON 
COUNTY HOSPITAL. 
Audi Alteram Partem. 
Gentlemen : It having come to the knowledge of the Hudson County 
District Medical Society that the Executive Committee of the Board of 
Regents, appointed under the Charter authorizing the organization of the 
Hudson County Hospital, have recommended to you a non-compliance with 
the just and lawful provisions of said Charter and an appeal to the State 
government to rescind that clause thereof which requires the medical and 
surgical staff to he members of the Hudson County District Medical Society 
or members of the State Medical Society—thereupon, at a regular meeting 4 
of the Hudson County District Medical Society, held at the Jersey City 
Charity Hospital, December 7, 18(59, we, the undersigned, were, with the 
unanimous approval of the members present, appointed a Committee to wait 
upon the Board of Regents of the Hudson County Hospital, respectfully to 
urge the immediate organization of the Hospital corps in accordance with 
the requirements of the Charter, arm to protest against any infringement or 
abrogation of the rights therein granted to the Hudson County District 
Medical Society. 
To perform the duties assigned us we come before you, gentlemen, and 
most respectfully and earnestly solicit your hearing. We foreknow that the 
success or defeat of a noble enterprise waits upon your action. We do not 
fear that your ultimate decision will be, in any wise, adverse to the interests 
vested in our Society by the Hospital Charter. We do not fear that any 
member of your Board will prove recreant to his high trust, and seek to 
divert the Institution from its original humane purposes. But we do tear 
that your Executive Committee are misinformed in regard to the Hudson 
County District Medical Society, its objects, and its relations to medical men, 
to medical organizations, and to the Hudson County Hospital. We hope to 
remove all misunderstanding. 
The Hudson County District Medical Society consists of a large majority 
(seven-eighths) of all the medical practitioners in this county who possess the 
moral qualifications and scientific attainments requisite to become members. 
Its objects are clearly defined. 
Constitution of the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson. 
Article I. 
This Society shall be known as the District Medical Society'of the 
County of Hudson. Its objects are : 
1st. To advance the science and art of Medicine and Surgery. 
2d. To promote harmony among medical men, and maintain high the 
standard of professional character. 
The following, also quoted from the Constitution of our Society, com- 
prises the whole law governing admission to membership. 
Article Y. 
Any practitioner of medicine and surgery, of acceptable moral and 
professional reputation, who is a graduate of a medical college, or a licentiate 
of a medical oiganization either in affiliation with the American Medical 
Association, or by them recognized as qualified to grant medical diplomas, 
shall be eligible to membership in tin’s Society. Every proposal for member- 
ship accepted shall be referred to a committee of three members, appointed 
by the President, that shall forthwith proceed to examine the eligibility of 
the candidate, and shall report thereupon at a subsequent meeting. The 
report received, an election by ballot shall be held, and a concurrence of 
three-fourths of all the members present vdll be required to admit such 
candidate. Upon admission, each member shall subscribe his name to the 
constitution and by-laws, and pay an admission fee of five dollars into the 
treasury; he shall also pay twenty-five cents per month thereafter. 
These requirements are neither exclusive, compulsory, nor burdensome ; 
and, hitherto, almost every applicant, duly qualified, has been admitted to 
membership by a unanimous vote; none has ever been rejected. Every 
practitioner of medicine and surgery, worthy to become a member of the 
Hudson County District Medical Society, is welcomed by all the members to 
terms of equality; and he may join the Society or not at his option. A few 
of this class of non-memoers reside and practice their profession in the 
county, and not one of them has ever yet complained of our Society, or had 5 
cause to complain. Sister societies exist throughout the State of New Jersey, 
the United States, and the whole civilized world. Their vital purpose is to 
cultivate among medical men, everywhere, habits of scientific investigation, 
moral conduct, mutual confidence. We trust that from the ranks of our 
Society, and those eligible thereto, the Regents will be able to select a com- 
petent and unexceptionable Hospital staff; and that men unfit for the former 
association will be deemed unfit for the latter. Every physician, to become 
a member of the Hudson County District Medical Society, must be of good 
moral reputation, and must exhibit his diploma; and the approval of this 
Society, of itself, constitutes a safe guide for the Regents in making their 
appointments. We believe, moreover, that medical men are better qualified 
to judge of medical men’s abilities and character than are others. We take 
the liberty to assure you, gentlemen, that the Hudson County District 
Medical Society will never interpose objections, technical or other, to the 
appointment on the Hospital staff of any physician or surgeon in good 
standing among his professional brethren. 
But were it possible, and were the Board of Regents to place on the 
Hospital staff one with whom, on account of his moral obliquities and 
educational incompetence, the members of the Hudson County District 
Medical Society cannot affiliate, that moment, and by that act, they will 
debar from the Hospital not merely a large and influential body of men, but 
the best medical and surgical skill which the county, the State, the nation 
possesses. For the rules of conduct of the Hudson County District Medical 
Society claim not the allegiance of our Society alone, but they are the 
national code of medical ethics, framed and adopted by the American 
Medical Association. We repeat, were it possible, and were the Board of 
Regents to appoint on the Hospital staff' one charletan or truthless knave, 
that moment, and by that act, they will virtually exclude therefrom the 
entire medical profession. For truth and deception, science and superstition, 
are essentially antagonistic; and they cannot be brought into entangling 
alliances. The observance of a code of ethics among the medical profession 
is world-wide. It is no innovation. It had been enforced before the Hippo- 
cratic oath was penned. 
The idea of establishing a’llospital for Hudson County originated with 
members of the Hudson County District Medical Society, who, in the prose- 
cution of their professional duties, often became cognizant of the want of an 
asylum for the homeless sufferer. By the same members the first Regents 
were named, and their consent was obtained to the use of their names in the 
Charter. By the same members, and the Hon. A. O. Zabriskie, and the Hon. 
J. D. Miller (since deceased), the exist’ng Charter was framed. By one of 
the members, T. R. Varick, M.D., the entire expense was paid of its enact- 
ment into a law by the New Jersey Legislature. The Charter is couched in 
unmistakable language. It was the intention of the originators of the 
Hospital to place it under the charge of a succession of worthy and scientific 
physicians and surgeons resident where their services could be rendered to 
meet its requirements ; and, also, to guard perpetually against revolutionary 
proceedings tending to divert its management into the control of any of the 
numerous forms of quackery. To secure these results, one check upon the 
action of the Board of Regents was incorporated in the Charter. That check 
is the bare privilege granted to the Hudson County District Medical Society 
of determining that the physicians and surgeons, from whom the Hospital 
physicians and surgeons are to be appointed, shall be duly qualified. We 
are told that it is possible to force a repeal of this vital conservative provision 
of the Charter—to wrest the Hospital out of the hands of its original projec- 
tors, and to fill its professional staff with a menagerie of mountebanks. Is it 
possible? We scorn the suggestion of perfidy—of legislative frivolity. 
Gentlemen, the proposed amendment to the Hospital Charter, recom- 
mended by your Executive Committee, requires that the members of the 6 
Hospital staff shall be graduates of Colleges. “ Such as” one in New York 
and one in Philadelphia. “Such as,” in its most restricted sense, can mean 
none other than these two Colleges ; in its widest interpretation it may 
embrace all chartered Colleges, whether they teach medical and surgical 
science, or Thomsonianism, or Homeopathy. We protest against the pro- 
posed amendment, as opening a wide door and inviting to places of delicate 
trust and grave responsibility all manner of false pretension, heartless char- 
letanism and fantastic trick; for its phraseology is loose, ambiguous, and 
pervertible. We protest against the proposed amendment as ignoring all 
moral qualifications, and not even requiring that your appointees upon the 
Hospital staff shall be respectable members of the profession, or of society. 
Gentlemen, the Hospital Charter only restrains you from making unworthy 
appointments toofiice; but the proposed amendment, in its ambiguity, half 
conceals a purpose which threatens practically to restrain you from making 
good ones. Gentlemen, you have accepted office under the Hospital Charter, 
and, although you were not sworn to carry its provisions into effect, you 
are in honor bound to do so. He who cavils can resign and withdraw his 
subscription ; but he has no right to remain, a dog in the manger, with 
intent to delay or defeat the organization. Let him not seek to rob us of 
our Hospital Charter, but rather let him obtain a new one to his liking, at 
his own cost, for the special benefit of his favorite “ Doctor,” clairvoyant, 
homeopathist, hydropathist, Thomsonian, or eclectic, as the case may be. 
ITe who whispers to your Executive Committee to amend, purposes to 
destroy. 
Gentlemen, in behalf of suffering humanity that deprecates delay ; in 
behalf of the vested rights of our Society; in behalf of the originators of 
this noble enterprise; in behalf of common justice, we appeal to you to 
maintain inviolate that wfise, definitive, and comprehensive law which 
confers on you obligations as well as powers, and demands of you the 
honorable organization of the Hospital staff. 
Finally, gentlemen, permit us to express our utmost confidence that 
honest convictions and entire good faith actuate all the members of 
your Board ; and to pledge the prompt co-operation of the Hudson County 
District Medical Society in all your praiseworthy endeavors to found and 
sustain the Hudson County Hospital. 
Very respectfully, 
GEO. W. TALSON, 
ROMEO F. CHABERT, 
F. G. PAYN, 
J. E. CULVER, 
S. R. FORMAN, 
Committee. 
Hudson County Medical Society, 
Regular Meeting, 
January 4th, 1870. 
Committee to wait upon the Regents of the Hudson County Hospital 
submitted a Minority Report, through Dr. Culver. It was moved and 
seconded that the report be received, and that the Committee receive the 
thanks of the Society. 
Dr. Hunt also made a motion that this Society sustain the Committee 
appointed to wait on the Regents of the Hudson County Hospital, and that 
the report of the Committee be published, which was carried. 
Note.—The plan of the Regents was, originally, to have the Second Amendment require 
the members of the Hospital staff to be graduates of “Colleges, such as ” ; but this reading 
was afterwards changed to, “ such, and so many physicians and surgeons,” etc. 7 
The Medical Staff No. 2 of the Hudson County EIospital 
Regular Meeting, 
March 1st, 1870. 
Dr. Talson, the chairman, made a statement in reference to the action 
of several members who had promised to serve on the hospital staff* of the 
Hudson County Hospital. 
Dr. Hunt moved that committees of three each be appointed by the Sec- 
retary to call upon the members named. Seconded by Dr. Morris, and 
carried. 
Committee on Dr. Payn—Drs. Culver, Watson, and Yarick. 
Committee on Dr. Burdett—Drs. Yondy, Benson, and Chabert. 
Committee on Dr. Noble—Drs. Yondy, Benson, and Chabert. 
Committee on Dr. Buffett—Drs. Morris, Foreman, and Lutkins. 
Regular Meeting, 
April 5th, 1870. 
Dr. Talson presiding. Dr. Morris moved the consideration of appoint- 
ments on the staff of the Hudson County Hospital. Carried. 
Dr. Buffett offered a resolution on this subject which was ordered to be 
laid on the table. 
Dr. Culver gave a history of the origin of the Charter of the Hudson 
County Hospital in the membership of this society. 
Dr. Buck moved that the Society hold an adjourned meeting to consider 
more fully the matters now pending before the Society. Carried. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
April 12th, 1870. 
The Secretary then read the resolution by which the adjourned meeting 
was held. 
Dr. Buck addressed the Society at some length in reference to staff ap- 
pointments in the Hudson County Hospital. Many of the members took 
part in the discussion to which this paper gave rise. 
Dr. Yondy offered the following resolution, which was seconded and 
carried : 
Whereas, The Board of Regents of the Hudson County Hospital have 
appointed on the visiting staff of their hospital an individual who has been 
several times rejected by the Hudson County Medical Society for gross and 
repeated violations of the Code of Ethics of the American Medical Associa- 
tion, which still continue, 
Resolved, That the physicians and surgeons residing in Hew York City, 
who have been recently appointed as consulting physicians and surgeons to 
the Hudson County Hospital, be, and are hereby, requested to decline the 
appointment, unless the visiting staff shall be selected from the Hudson 
County Medical Society, or at least be composed of regular practitioners in 
good moral and professional standing in the place or places where they reside. 
Dr. Foreman offered the following resolution, which was adopted: 
Resolved, That this Society recommend to those of its members who 
have received appointments to the staff of the Hudson County Hospital to- 
gether to decline to serve with one who does not observe professional cour- 
tesy toward this Society. 
Dr. Hunt moved that the members present who have been appointed on 
the staff'of the Hudson County Hospital be now heard. Carried. 
Dr. Buffett then stated that it was his present intention to serve on the 
hospital staff'. Dr. Noble also stated his intention to serve. Dr. Burdett 
stated that he had promised to serve on certain conditions and he was not 
yet aware that these conditions had not been complied with. 8 
Dr. Cornelison, consulting physician, pleaded his willingness to stand hy 
his appointment. 
Dr. Payn informed the Society that he had resigned from the hospital 
staff. 
The society then adjourned. M. A. MILLER, Secretary. 
Regular Meeting, 
May 3d, 1870. 
Dr. Talson presented to the Secretary a communication from Dr. Finnell, 
of New York City, in reference to a member of our society. (Charging Dr. 
Prendergast with irregularities.) 
Dr. Watson moved that a committee be appointed to ascertain the cor- 
rectness of the report. Carried. ' 
Committee—Drs. Watson and Mulcahy. 
(T he report was found to be true. Dr. Prendergast was requested to con- 
form his conduct to the Code of Ethics, but without result.) 
Dr. Culver moved that a committee be appointed to prefer charges 
against members of this Society who are serving on the staff* of the Hudson 
County Hospital, and report at next meeting. Carried. 
Drs. Culver, Watson, and Mulcahy were appointed a committee. 
Meeting, June 7 th, 1870. 
Committee on Hudson County Hospital—Dr. Culver, chairman of com- 
rnitte on charges, asked for instructions. 
Dr. Hunt moved that the committee be instructed to prefer charges 
(covering the whole grounds) against such members as have openly defied 
the society in this matter, including one of the consulting physicians of the 
hospital, who is a member of this Society. Carried. 
(At the July regular meeting the Committee on Charges was ordered to 
report at next meeting.) 
Meeting, August 2d, 1870. 
Dr. Culver, chairman of a special committee, read charges and specifica- 
tions against Dr. J. M. Cornelison, a member. Report received and com 
mittee continued. 
Report of Special Committee, appointed May 3, 1870. 
Jersey City, August 1, 1870. 
Mr. President of the Hud. Co. Dist. Med. Soc.: 
Your committee appointed to prepare and prefer charges against mem- 
bers of this society who are guilty of malpractices, beg leave to state that 
we have performed our allotted task in part. We have examined, deliber- 
ately, the cases upon which we are now prepared to report. 
Your committee have not been insensible to the grave considerations 
that determine and environ your decision. The honor and even the exist- 
ence of the Hudson County District Medical Society are imperilled. It has 
been threatened in a public meeting of the Board of Regents of the Hudson 
County Hospital, by one of their number, “to fight the Hudson County Dis- 
trict Medical Society to the bitter end.” Perchance its extermination is fore- 
doomed. Soon to see it perish is the malicious hope of its enemies. The 
outside, irregular, practitioners have long dreaded, and perhaps magnified 
its influence lor good. The member guilty of irregularities ot conduct to- 
ward the public, or toward his brethren in the profession, has felt its re- 
straints, and once or twrice he has bewailed that he should be coerced into 
any involuntary propriety of behavior. 9 
Your committee have restricted the charges herewith submitted for your 
approval to acts inimical to the well-being of our Society. As far as possible 
they have avoided unpleasant personalities. Refractory members, against 
whom charges are preferred, must be brought to trial, must have ample op- 
portunity for defense, and must acquiesce in the final judgment of this Soci- 
ety. We need not add that the dictum of this society must ever be pure 
from personal prejudice and above reproach. Its decisions may become pre- 
cedents; they are subject to review by the Medical Society of New Jersey. 
What constitutes a crime against the Hudson County District Medical 
Society ? This preliminary question was discussed by your committee. A 
crime against a State consists in disobedience to the laws enacted by the in- 
habitants of that State, or by their chosen or accepted representatives. A 
crime against a church, be it Jewish, Christian, Mohammedan or Pagan, of 
whatever sect or denomination, consists in disobedience to any of the rules 
of conduct or faith established and enforced by that church. Moreover it is 
so with all social organizations. They enact or adopt each its own code of 
laws, infidelity to any of the requirements of which is a crime against mem- 
bership. The members of the Hudson County District Medical Society 
have, every one of them, voluntarily signed a constitution, by-laws, and a 
code of ethics, devolving upon themselves certain duties. To ignore or dis- 
avow the compact, or to disobey its injunctions, is a crime against member- 
ship. Besides, every rule of government adopted by this society, is, by vir- 
tue of the subscribed constitution and by laws, binding on every member 
alike to render it obedience. (Vide Art.Y. Con. and Sec. Y. By-Laws.) 
Mr. President: We ask your permission to recommend to the careful 
consideration of the members of our Society the following enactments : Ar- 
ticle 1st of the Constitution, which points out the objects for the attainment 
of which this Society exists, and defines the chief duties of membership; 
Article 5th, which requires the obligations of membership to be self-imposed 
—it also describes the qualifications of those who are fit to become members; 
Article 5th, which declares who are unfit to continue in fellowship. This 
Society has adopted as its own the entire Code of Ethics of the American 
Medical Association. Article 5th of the Code of Ethics affirms, that “physi- 
cians should found their expectations of practice upon the extent of their quali- 
cations, not on intrigue and artifice.” Article 4th of the Code of Ethics provides 
that every one who is not in good moral and professional standing (i.e., 
amongst the regular profession) in the place in which he resides, shall be ex- 
cluded from fellowship, and his aid refused in consultation, even when it is 
requested by the patient. At the twentieth annual meeting of the American 
Medical Association, May 5th, 1869, it was “ resolved that the proper con- 
struction of Art. 4th, Code of Ethics, American Medical Association, having 
been called for relative to consultation with irregular practitioners who are 
graduates of regular schools; therefore, resolved that Article 4th, Section 
1st, Code of Ethics, excludes all mal-practitioners from recognition by the 
regular profession.” 
Therefore is disobedience to the laws of the Hudson Co. Dist. Med. Soc. 
a crime that not only forfeits membership ; but if we, as a society, fellowship 
the guilty and unworthy, we verily compound the crime with them, share 
their dishonor, and so exclude ourselves, one and all, from all claims to recog- 
nition by the regular profession. Furthermore, if we allow such fellowship 
to be forced upon us, we not only suffer this debasement but we stultify our- 
selves besides; for then we do not ourselves what we have already required 
of others. 
Article 6th of the Constitution seems to be ill-adapted or clumsily appro- 
priate to the dealings of the Society with its refractory members. It requires 
a charge of “immoral and unprofessional behavior.” We have complied 
with the technicality while referring only to acts against the good fellowship 
and existence of the Society. We submit that it is immoral for a member 10 
to violate rules to which he has. of his own free act, subscribed ; and that it 
is unprofessional to court and foster such association as is forbidden by the 
Code of Ethics of the medical profession of our country. 
Pursuant to the obligations enjoined upon your Committee, and in view 
of the testimony which will be more fully brought before the Society at the 
proper time, 
We Charge— 
Note.—Here follow the charges and specifications, which are omitted in the context to 
avoid repitition and save space. 
Dr. Hunt moved that Dr. J. M. Cornelison be summoned to appear be- 
fore the Society at the next regular meeting, to answer. Carried. 
Meeting, 
September 6th, 1870. 
Dr. Culver, Chairman of a Special Committee, continued report of the 
Committee, preferring charges against Drs. Bird, Buffett, Burdett, and 
Noble. Report received, and Committee continued. 
Note.—Dr. Cornelison was not present at this meeting. 
Meeting, 
October 4th, 1870. 
The President in the Chair. 
It was moved and seconded that all charges against accused members 
should he read. Carried. 
Charges were then read against Drs. Cornelison, Buffett, Noble, and 
Bird. It was moved and seconded that charges against Dr. Bird should he 
first considered. Carried. 
The prosecution and defence having been heard on 
against Dr. Bird, the vote was called for, and the Specification declared 
proven by the following vote : Affirmative—Drs. Yarick, Vondy, Morris, 
Hunt, Watson. Miller, Ilardenburg, Chabert, Benson, Talson, Comfort. 
Culver, Viers, Payn, Prendergast, Wolfe, Gardiner, Gilman, and Preeman 
—19. In the negative—Drs. Corneilison, McDowell, Lutkins, Noble, Buf- 
fett, Burdett, Buck, Andrew, Elder, Bock, and Avery—11 ; three members 
being excused from voting. 
The specification reads as follows : 
We charge Dr. J. Q. Bird, a member of this Society, with immoral and 
unprofessional behavior, in the following particular. Specification: He 
obtained membership in this Society, on a special pledge of fidelity to the 
Code of Ethics, and to all rules adopted by this Society for the government of 
its members; which pledge, his subsequent association with the Hudson 
County Hospital staff, has dishonored. 
Dr. Hunt moved that the Society adjourn until Tuesday, October 11th, 
at o P. M. Carried. The Society then adjourned. 
M. A. MILLER, 
/Secretary. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
October 11th, 1870. 
Unfinished business. 
Dr. Culver moved, that the Society proceed to investigate Specification 
2nd, in the charges against Dr. J. Q. Bird. Carried. 
The Specification reads as follows: Violation of the Code of Ethics. 
Professional association with a physician who is not in good moral an 1 pro- 
fessional standing in the place in which he resides. 11 
Dr. Bird declining to plead, it was moved and seconded that Dr. 
McDowell be appointed to act as Dr. Bird’s advocate. Carried. 
Testimony being called for, the Secretary was directed to read a notice 
from the New York Medical Record, dated September 15th, 1870. Dr. 
Elder being called upon to say who were on the staff of the Hudson County 
Hospital, he assented to what had been read from the Record. 
The Secretary was called upon to read from the Minutes of the Society 
extracts concerning Dr. Quimby. 
Dr. Forman offered the following Resolution: That the record of the 
Minutes of this Society, relative to Dr. Quimby, be considered as establish- 
ing his professional status. Seconded and carried. Twenty-one Yeas ; thir- 
teen Nays. 
Dr. McDowell, as advocate, made an appeal to the Society in behalf of 
Dr. Bird. 
Dr. Morris moved for the vote of the Society upon Specification ‘2nd, 
against Dr* Bird. Carried. 
The vote on the Specification declared it proven by the following vote : 
Yeas: Drs. Varick, Vondy, Morris, Hunt, Miller, Watson, Hardenburg, 
Reeve, Chabert, Benson, Talson, Comfort, Culver, Hammond, Forman, 
Payn, Prendergast, Wolfe, Case, Gilman, Abernethy, and Mitchell—Twenty- 
two. Nays: Drs. Cornelison, McDowell, Lutkins, Kudlich, Noble, Buffett, 
Burdett, Buck, Avery, Elder, and Bock—11. 
The Society then adjourned to Wednesday, October 19th, to continue 
trial. ’ M. A. MILLER, 
Secretary. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
October 19th, 1870. 
Unfinished business. 
Dr. Culver moved that sentence be postponed in the case of Dr. J. Q. 
Bird until the guilt or innocence of those other members charged with 
cognate crimes shall have been established. Seconded and carried. 
Dr. Morris now moved that the Society proceed to investigate the 
charges against Dr. E. P. Buffett. Seconded and carried. 
To Specification 1st, against Dr. Buffett; he admits association, but 
pleads not guilty to the charge. The prosecution presented testimony, and 
Dr. Buffett read his defense. 
The vote being called for on Specification, it was declared proven by 
the following vote : Ayes—Drs. Morris, Yondy, Hunt, Miller, Watson, Har- 
denburg, Benson, Culver, Prendergast, Wolfe, Gardiner, Gilman, Abernethy, 
Mitchell, and Freeman—Fifteen. Nays . Drs. Stout, Burdett, Avery, Bird, 
and Bock—Five ; one excused. 
The Specification reads as follows: We charge Dr. E. P. Buffett, a 
member of this Society, with immoral and unprofessional behavior, in the 
following particulars. Specification: Professional association,on the Hudson 
County Hospital staff, with a physician wdio is not in good moral and pro- 
fessional standing in the place in which he resides. 
Dr. Morris moved that the Society proceed to investigate Charges and 
Specifications against Dr. J. B. Burdett. Seconded and carried. 
The vote of the Society being called for, the Specification was proven 
by fourteen Ayes, four Nays, and one excused. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
October 26th, 1870. 
Unfinished business. 
Dr. Culver moved that sentence be postponed in the case of Dr. E. P. 
Buffett and in the case of Dr. J. B. Burdett until the guilt or innocence of 
those other members charged with cognate crimes, shall have been estab- 
lished. Seconded and curried. 12 
Dr. Morris moved that the Society proceed to investigate charges and 
specifications against Dr. J. M. Cornelison. Seconded and carried. On vote, 
Specification 1st was not sustained ; 2nd and 3rd proven by vote of eleven 
affirmative ; no negative, and two members excused from voting. 
Dr. Culver moved that sentence be postponed in the case of Dr. J. M. 
Cornelison until the guilt or innocence of those other members charged with 
cognate crimes shall have been established. Seconded and carried. 
Regular Meeting, 
November 1st, 1870. 
Executive Session. 
The Chairman of a Special Committee of this Society further reported 
charges against L. W. Elder and Dr. John Kudlick. Report received and 
ordered to take the usual course. 
The Secretary was ordered to notify the members accused. 
Note.—Dr. Kudlich stated that he had not accepted his appointment on the Hudson 
County Hospital staff; and the charges against him were withdrawn. 
Annual Meeting, 
Hudson County Medical Society, 
December (5th, 1870. 
Dr. Culver moved that the Society proceed to the trial of Dr. L. 
W. Elder. Carried. The charges were then read against Dr. Elder, as 
follows: 
We charge Dr. L. W. Elder, a member of this Society, with immoral 
and unprofessional behavior in the following particulars : 
Specification 1st.—He is, of his own choice, associated on the Hudson 
County Hospital staff with a physician who is not in good moral and 
professional standing in the place where he resides. 
Dr. Elder pleaded not guilty, and denied that this Society had the right 
to try him. He then read his reply. 
Dr. Cornelison being called upon to say who were on the staff of the 
Hudson County Hospital, named Drs. Elder, Buffett, Burdett, Noble, Julien, 
and Quimby. 
Dr. Culver moved that the Ayes and Nays be called on the question : 
Is Dr. L W. Elder guilty of the charge?—which was carried. Ayes, 
eighteen ; Nays, seven, and two excused. 
The charge was then declared proven. 
Regular Meeting, 
J January 3rd, 1871. 
Unfinished business. 
Noble were then considered. 
The Secretary read the charge and specification, as follows . 
We charge Ur. F. E. Noble, a member of this Society, with immoral 
and unprofessional behavior, in the following particular: 
Specification.—Professional association, on the Hudson County Hospital 
staff with a physician who is not in good moral and professional standing in 
the place in which he resides. 
Dr. Noble pleade 1 not guilty, and denied the right of the Society to 
try him. 
Dr. C ulver offered in evidence, and had read, a printed copy of Board ol 
Regents, Consulting Staff, Attending Staff', etc., of the Hudson County Hos- 
pital ; Dr. Noble’s name appearing on the Attending Staff’. In reply to 
question from the President, admitted his acceptance of said appoint- 
ment. 13 
Dr. Culver then moved, that we proceed to vote on question : Is 
Dr. Noble guilty of the charge, as read ? Seconded by Dr. Buffett, and 
carried. 
The same was declared proven by vote of twelve in the affirmative and 
liree in the negative, and two excused. 
Dr. Noble’s vote in the negative was objected to by many, but permitted 
by the President, though Dr. Morris wished his objection noted. 
Certiorari papers were here received. 
Note.—At this stage of the proceedings, Dr. Morris rose excitedly, and demanded that 
the certiorari papers be not received, and that they who have sought to serve them be at once 
expelled ; and made a motion to this effect. Dr. Watson, the President, declared the motion 
not in order, since it involved contempt of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, and was most 
impolitic, as well as unlawful. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
Held January 10th, 1871. 
I)r. Culver, from Committee on Procuring Council, reported that they 
had engaged Robert Gilchrist. Esq., as council. 
Dr. Rayn moved that report be accepted, and the Committee continued 
to confer with the council in the case. Carried. 
Stated Meeting, 
August 1, 1871. 
The Committee on Charges, through its Chairman, presented the deci- 
sion of the Supreme Court, on the certiorari of Dr. Elder and others. The 
case returns to the Society. 
NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT. 
June Teem, 1871. 
The State. 
De. Eldee, Prosecutor, 
versus 
The Disteict Medical Society of 
Hudson County. 
Certiorari. 
Argued at February Term. 1S71, before Justices Scudder and Yan 
Syckel. 
Attorney-General, for Delendants. 
Mr. Ogden, for Plaintiff. 
Van Syckel, Judge. 
There is no power in this Court to 
continue or complete the proceedings which have been instituted in the 
special tribunal created by positive law. The question to be tried cannot be 
withdrawn from that forum, nor can it be denied the right to terminate the 
proceedings which have been initiated before it. # * * * * 
i find no authority lor certifying into this Court for review of the proceed- 
ings now in question before judgment, and therefore the writ should be 
quashed. 
J ustice Scudder concurs. 
Note i.—The above are extracts from a certified copy of the decision in this case. 14 
Note 2.—During our intercourse with counsel, pending the Certiorari, we were informed 
that Art. VI. of the Constitution of the Hudson Counly District Medical Society was defective 
as a Code of Procedure. To render it applicable to offences subversive of the edicts or ex 
istence of the Society, it was amended to read as in the last printed edition. Amendment 
passed, March 5U1, 1872. 
Stated Meeting, 
September 5tli, 1871. 
The Committee on Charges had no report ; when, on motion of Dr. 
Morris, the Committee was discharged. 
Dr. Culver moved that Dr. D. L. Reeve be reinstated to membership 
in this Society, he having paid up back dues. Carried. 
Dr. Culver also moved that Dr. J. M. Cornelison be hereby restored to 
membership, he having paid up back dues. Carried. 
Dr. Hunt moved that all other members may be reinstated to member- 
ship on payment of dues ; which was carried. 
Note.—Drs. Hunt and Morris fought hard at this meeting against the readmission of 
defiant members. But it had always been the custom of the Society to restore such members 
as had forfeited membership by non-payment of dues whenever they paid their indebtedness ; 
and the majority scorned to accomplish the expulsion of offending members by any opportune 
advantage or indirection. Chagrined at the result, Dr. Hunt offered his final motion, with 
ambiguous purpose, to defeat or to test the sincerity of the majority. 
The earliest recognition of the defection of Drs. Hunt and Morris dates from about 
this time. 
Annual Meeting, 
December 5th, 1871. 
Dr. Morris moved that this Society return its Charter to the State 
Society. Motion seconded. 
Dr. Hunt proposed the following amendment: 
That a Committee of ten be appointed to return the Charter of this 
Society to the State Society, together with the books and papers of the 
Society, and request that a Charter be granted to physicians in good stand- 
ing in Hudson County, and that all funds remaining in the Treasury, after 
paying necessary expenses of Committee, be transmitted to the medical 
sufferers from the late lire in Chicago. 
Dr. Morris accepted the amendment. 
Note.—Dr. Hunt claimed that members disobey and defy the Society—that we dare not 
expel them—that they had beaten us in the Supreme Court—that we do wrong to fellowship 
them—that his was a feasible plan to get rid of them. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
December 12, 1871. 
The President, Dr. Watson, in Chair. 
The Society opened under new business. Dr. Abernethy moved that 
Dr. Morris’ motion be laid on the table until more members arrive; which 
was carried. 
Subsequently, it was moved and carried, that Dr. Morris’ motion be 
taken from the table. Motion was read by the Secretary. 
Drs. Hunt, Morris, and Yondy spoke in favor of the motion; and Drs. 
Abernethy, Culver, and Yarick against it. On question being called, the 
Ayes and Nays were taken, with the following result: 
Ayes—Drs. Gardner, Hunt, Morris, and Yondy.—(Four). 
N'ayS—L)rs. Abernethy, Andrew, Benson, Chabert, Comfort, Culver, 
Gillman, Hayes, McGill, McLoughlin, Miller, Mitchell, Morgan, Talson, 
Yarick, and Watson.—(Sixteen). 
Motion to return Charter, lost : four to sixteen. 
Affirmative vote—Drs. Gardner, Hunt, Morris, and Yondy. 15 
Note.—Drs. Abernethy, Varick, Watson, and Culver declared that the proposed surren- 
der of the Charter was an indirection, unworthy to be considered ; that it would be, more- 
over, a legal impossibility without the consent of all the members ; and that, in disciplining 
members, we ought to meet the issue squarely and honorably, 
Drs. Hunt and Morris had canvassed for their motion, and had come to this meeting with a 
counted majority—they were sorely disappointed. 
Regular Meeting, 
March 5th, 1872. 
An amendment to Art. AM. of the Constitution was adopted. 
(See printed copy of Constitution.) 
Regular Meeting, 
July 2d, 1872. 
An amendment to Art. III. of the Constitution was adopted, creating a 
Comitia Minora; and defining its powers and duties. 
Special Meeting, 
March 23d, 1872. 
Dr. Watson stated the object of the meeting, viz.: The formation of an 
anatomical class, under the auspices of the Hudson County District Medical 
Society. 
Dr. McGill moved, that a Committee of three be elected by the Society 
to undertake the formation of a class, for the purpose of pursuing the study 
of anatomy, etc.; also that Dr. Watson be Chairman. Seconded and 
carried. 
The Committee appointed were Drs. Watson, Hunt, and McGill. 
Dr. Culver offered the following Resolution : 
Resolved ; “That Drs. Watson, Hunt, and McGill, be hereby appointed 
and authorized to form a class or sub-organization of this Society, with 
power to procure a room, material, etc.; and to make all requisite arrange- 
ments for scientific investigation, as authorized by an 4 Act to promote 
Medical Science in Hudson County,’ passed March lltli, 1872; and that said 
sub-organization be hereby empowered to hold official meetings, and fix the 
time and place thereof; to appoint a President, Secretary, and Treasurer, 
annually or pro. tem. j to determine a quorum ; to admit to membership any 
acceptable graduate or student of medicine, and to perform all duties which 
may of right devolve upon them in prosecuting the investigation aforesaid.*’ 
Seconded and carried. 
Note.—The following paper was signed by fifteen or sixteen members, among whom were 
Drs. Hunt, Morris, Prendergast, and Reeve, etc. ; who, after a room had been procured and 
fitted up, managed to defeat and break up the class, and never offered to pay their share of the 
expense: 
‘We, the undersigned, agree to join a class for the purpose of pursuing the study of 
anatomy and to bear our proportion of the expense incurred thereby.” 
(Here follow the signatures). 
Special Meeting, 
September 10th, 1872. 
Dr. Varick moved that all members of the Society,.in connection with an 
association called the Hudson County Pathological Society, having been re- 
ported to be guilty of violating and dishonoring the constitution and code of 
ethics and rulings of this society, therefore 
Resolved : That they be summoned to appear before the Comitia Minora 
to explain said conduct. Carried unanimously. Members present: Drs. Ben- 
son, Culver, Gilman, Hunt, Mitchell, Morris, Payn, Pettigrew, Varick, Wat- 
son & McGill. 
Note.—The Hudson County Pathological Society was chartered and established ostensibly 
as a rival to the District Medical Society. It received into membership irregular practitioners, 16 
and those inimical to the District Society. It was indeed an asylum of antipathies, into which 
were welcomed rejected candidates and code offending members who became voluntary fugitives 
from the District Medical Society 
These facts were clearly asserted in the evidence given before the Comitia Minora. 
Regular Meeting, 
October 1st, 1872. 
Report of Comitia Minora. 
Whereas, Drs. A. G. Avery, J. B. Burdett, E. P. Buffett, J. Q. Bird, J. 
M. Cornelison,L. W. Elder, F. Geisler, J. II. McDowell, E. J. Lowenthal, «T. 
F. Morgan and F. E. Noble, have violated and dislionered the constitution 
and rulings of the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson, and 
the code of ethics of the American Medical Association, which has been 
adopted by the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson, and to- 
gether have associated with an individual whose professional standing is not 
good in the place in which he lives; 
Therefore, we, the members of the Comitia Minora,would unanimously 
recommend to the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson the fol- 
lowing resolution ; 
Resolved: That the members aforesaid be, and hereby are, unanimously 
expelled from the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson. 
Report of the Comitia Minora accepted, thirteen to seven 
The Secretary then read a summary of the evidence of the guilt in respect 
to the charges for which they were tried, given on the part of the delinquent 
members before the Comitia Minora. 
After we had heard and considered this evidence, Dr. Culver offered the 
following resolution : That 
Whereas, it has been satisfactorily proved to the members of this Society 
that Drs. A. G. Avery, J. B. Burdett, E. P. Buffett, J. Q. Bird, J. M. Cornel- 
ison, L. W. Elder, F. Geisler, J. H. McDowell, E. J. Lowenthal, J. F. Morgan 
and F. E. Noble, have violated and contumaciously dishonored the rulings 
and code of ethics of this Society, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the aforesaid members be, and hereby are, summarily 
expelled from the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson, N. J. 
Seconded. 
Ayes and nays being called, the resolution was passed, fifteen to five. 
The members of the Society were apprised of the expulsions and the ex- 
pelled were no longer notified of the meetings. 
N. B.—Drs. Hunt and Morris voted in the negative. 
TIIE RETRIEVAL. 
SKIRMISHING OF HUNT, MORRIS & CO. 
Regular Meeting, 
District Medical Society, 
October 1st, 1872. 
Numerous amendments to the Constitution were offered by Drs. Hunt, 
Foreman and Morris, making radical changes, especially in articles Third and 
Sixth. 
The chair decided that unless the amendments were regularly received 
by vote of Society they could not go on the minutes, not coming properly 
before the Society. 
Dr. Hunt called for the decision of the chair in reference to article eighth 
of Constitution, in reference to the amendments. 
The chair decided as before. 
Drs. Hunt and Culver indulged in an animated debate concern- 17 
ing the amendments, when the remarks of Dr. Hunt becoming rather personal, 
Dr. Culver was obliged to insist on Dr. Hunt being called to order. 
Moved by Dr. Hunt and secondedbv Dr. Morris that a copy of Cushing’s 
Manual be purchased by the Society and placed on the President’s table, to 
be kept there so as to be convenient for reference. 
This motion was lost. 
N. B.—This last motion was intended as a satirical fling at the ruling of 
the President. 
Regular Meeting, 
November 5th, 1872. 
Dr. Morris ottered the following amendment to the Constitution, that 
the words “ Comitia Minora” be expunged from each and every section of 
the Constitution in which they occur, and all that may relate to such Com- 
mittee. 
Dr. Hunt offered an amendment to article sixth of the Constitution, the 
last clause to be stricken out, and “but shall be amenable to discipline the 
same as other members ” substituted. 
Dr. Hunt also offered the following amendment to article second of Con- 
stitution, last clause, “Twelve members shall constitute a quorum.” 
Dr. Forman moved that the vote to expel certain members of the Society 
found guilty of a violation of the Constitution and Medical Ethics be recon- 
sidered. Seconded. 
Dr. Benson said that Dr. Elder had informed him that he was ready to 
resign from the Hudson County Pathological Society, together with Drs. 
Lowenthal and Geisler, and that Dr. Kudlicli, a member of that Society, 
would also resign, if they could be assured of admission into the District 
Medical Society. 
Dr. Hunt said that in his opinion the expelled members never had a fair 
trial, not being tried in accordance with the Constitution. He considered 
the Society to have acted wrongly, and now the best way it could atone for 
its fault would be to rescind its erroneous action. 
Dr. Culver spoke in answer to the remarks of Dr. Hunt, defending the 
action of the Society, which he considered to have acted in perfect accord- 
ance with the Constitution. The trial of these members, the Doctor said, had 
been conducted with the utmost propriety, with strict impartially, and with a 
due regard to legality. *Dr. Culver, in concluding, remarked on what he 
called Dr. Hunt’s wild fancies, and was peremptorily called to order by Dr. 
Hunt for personality. 
Dr. Culver moved that Dr. Forman’s motion be laid on the table. Se- 
conded. 
The ayes and nays being called for, Dr. Culver’s motion was carried, by 
the following vote: 
Ayes —Drs. Carpenter, Cary, Comfort, Culver, Eddy, McGill, McLough- 
lin, Miller, Mitchell, Van Ilouten and Watson—11. Nays—Drs. Hunt, For- 
man, Morris, Viers and Vondy—5. 
Annual Meeting, 
Hudson County District Medical Society, 
Court House, Jersey City, December 3d, 1872. 
Members present, Drs. Abernetky, Andrew, Benson, Blake, Bock, Car- 
*Note.—Dr. Culver remarked that if the expelled gentlemen wish to question the legality of 
their expulsion, they can do it in a court of competent jurisdiction. 
Dr. Hunt, “ They will do it.” 
Dr. Culver, “ I cannot believe the gentleman to speak now by authority, or to be aware how 
supremely sick are those men of supreme courts. They are now proposing to sever their illicit 
connection and to return voluntarily and obtain re-admission in our Society. I hope that course 
will be followed, and will lead to an end of all our disagreements. I am very sure that the So- 
ciety has done no wrong in this matter. I cannot endorse the wild fancies of Dr. Hunt. Did 
the gentleman himself do wrong in voting to arraign them before the Comita Minora?” 18 
penter, Chabert, Comfort, Culver, Eddy, Everett, Finn, Forman, Gilman, 
Hunt, McBride, McLoughlin, McGill, Miller, Mitchell, Morris, Paul, Pavn, 
Prendergast, Varick, Yan IIouten, Yondy, Watson and Wilkinson—29. Dr. 
Benson, the President, in the chair. 
Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. 
It was moved by Dr. Watson that the Society open business, under the 
fourth rule. Carried. 
The Society now proceeded to ballot for officers for the ensuing year, and 
also for the delegates to the State Medical Society. 
The election resulted as follows : 
President Dr. M. A. Miller. 
Vice-President Dr. J. D. McGill. 
Secretary Henry Mitchell. 
Treasurer II. II. Abeknetiiy. 
Reporter J. E. Culver. 
Dr. J. R. Yarick. 
Dr. D. B RNSON. 
Dr. B. H. Watson. 
Dr. F. G. Payn. 
Dr. J. E. Culvkr. 
Comitia Minora 
Delegates to N. J. State Medical Society: 
Dr. B. A. Watson. 
Dr. M. A. Miller. 
Dr. Henry Mitchell. 
Repre- 
senting 
Dr. J. D. McGill. 
Dr. H. II. Abernp;thy. 
Dr. J. F. Finn. 
Dr. F. G. Payn. 
Dr. D. Benson. 
At Large 
Alternates: 
Dr. R. F. Ciiabekt. 
Dr. T. F. Morris. 
Dr. J. W. Van Houten. 
Dr. L. A. McBride. 
Dr. J. W. Hunt. 
At Large 
Dr. B. Oilman. 
Dr. S. R. Forman. 
Dr. J. H. Vondy. 
Representing 
Note.—Prefatory to the Meeting of January 7th, 1873. 
For a time prior to the Annual Meeting, December 3d, 1872, Drs. Hunt, Morris, Vondy, and 
Forman had contributed to mar the harmony of the District Medical Society ; consequently they 
were looked upon as unsafe men at this time, and were not elected to any position of trust. 
Such a ballot, and the near prospect of a re-admission of the expelled members, or, perchance, 
the thought that then or never was their opportunity to embroil and dismember the Society, 
may have precipitated their action. They proposed, as the sequel will show, to bring the ex- 
pelled members by a short cut back into the Society at once, and, with their aid to begin its dis- 
integration. To aid this plot it was heralded forth that the Comitia Minora had expelled them 
—had even acted as complainant, jury, and judge—but that the District Society had taken no 
action in the matter. Indeed, the Comitia Minora was saddled with sins to order, and rattling 
volleys of righteous indignation were hurled after the scapegoat. 
The expelled gentlemen were very easily gathered into the net that was thus spread for 
them ; and,pro tanio, a few weeks afterwards. Drs. Morris, McDowell and Lutkins were added to 
the staff of the defunct Hudson County Hospital (Dr. Quimby had been deposed). Here was 
success worthy of the Artful Dodger ! Several members of the District Medical Society, who 
had formerly been arraigned for irregular practices, volunteered under the new banner, and co- 
operated heartily with Drs. Hunt Morris & Co. Several new members, unawares, were con 
verted to the new schism by specious statements, the character and animus of which they were 
unable to discriminate. For days and weeks the chief and his lieutenants furtively patroled the 
district, and a considerable number of drilled recruits, including four members who do not fre- 
quent the meetings of the Society, mustered at roll-call of the January (1873) meeting, 
charged to the muzzle with explosives for the Comitia Minora. The Scientific Session was soon 
smothered ; the Executive Session was a tornado. 
Regular Meeting, 
District Medical Society, County of Hudson. 
January 7tli, 1873. 
Members present: Dre. Abernethy, Benson, Carpenter, Case, Comfort, 
Craig, Culver, Everett, Eddy, Field, Forman, Gilman, Hunt, Lutkins, Me- 19 
Bride, McLoughlin, Miller, Morris, O’Callaghan, Paul, Prendergast, Rau, 
Selnow, Talson, Van Ilouten, Varick, \iers, Vondj, Watson and McGill— 
Thirty. 
The President, Dr. Miller, in the chair. 
The Secretary, Dr. Mitchell, being absent, on motion of Dr. Morris, Dr. 
McGill was elected Secretary pro term. 
Scientific Session. 
Dr. McGill, the regular monthly essayist for January, read a paper enti- 
tled u Contused Wounds,” for which he received the thanks of the Society. 
Dr. Morris moved that the Society now go into Executive Session. Se- 
conded. Dr. Culver moved that Dr. Morris’s motion be laid on the table. 
Seconded. Ayes and nays being called for the vote resulted in a tie—twelve 
to twelve. Whereupon the President decided in the affirmative. 
Dr. Morris now moved that “ we now close in Scientific Session.” Se- 
conded and carried. 
Reports of Committees. 
On Dr. Chabert’s bill.—The Chairman being absent, Dr. Forman report- 
ed progress. 
On presentation of Claims and Accounts, Dr. McGill presented a bill 
from the Times Printing Company, $2. Ordered paid. 
Unfinished Business. 
Dr. Morris moved that Dr. Forman’s motion to reconsider the vote 
by which certain members of the Society were expelled, for violations of the 
Constitution and Code of Ethics, be now taken from the table. Carried. 
Dr. Culver* explained his vote in the negative. Remarks by Drs. Hunt, 
Watson, Morris and Culver. 
Dr. Morris moved that Dr. Forman’s motion be now acted upon. Se- 
conded by Dr. Hunt. 
The ayes and nays being called, the vote resulted as follows : Ayes—Drs. 
Carpenter, Case, Craig, Eddy, Everitt, Forman, Hunt, Lutkins, Morris, O’- 
Callaghan, Paul, Prendergast, Rau, Selnow, Talson, Van Ilouten, Viers, 
Vondy, and Watson—Nineteen. Nays—Drs. Abernethy, Benson, Comfort, 
Culver, Gilman, McBride, McGill, McLoughlin, Miller, and Varick—Ten. 
Dr. Field was excused from voting 
Dr. Morris called for the reading of the report of the Comitia Minora on 
the trial of the recusant members. Dr. Morris moved that the vote on Dr. 
Culver's resolution to expel certain members for violation of the Constitution, 
etc., be now reconsidered. Seconded by Dr. Hunt. 
Remarks on this motion by Drs. Varick, Morris, McGill, Culver and 
Hunt. Dr. Hunt claimed that, according to the last clause of article third of 
Constitution, this question was not debatable. Dr. Culver, remarking on the 
question, was called to order by Dr. Morris, but, by permission of the Society, 
was allowed to finish his remarks. The Chair decided Dr. Culver in order, 
as the question before the house was on a reconsideration of the vote of ex- 
*Dr. Culver said : The gentlemen were expelled for improper association. They have ac- 
cepted expulsion as an accomplished fact. We are informed that some of them are about to 
sever their connection with Drs. Quimby, Keirsten, and others, and desire re-admission. I 
sincerely hope that membership will be accorded to them. Above all things I should like to 
see good faith and fellowship among all the physicians of our County. I am in favor of remov- 
ing every obstacle to a fraternization of all conflicting interests—all—Dr. Quimby not excepted. 
Sooner than become an insurmountable obstacle to such a union, on account of personal 
animosities harbored against me, I will even offer to resign my own membership for the benefit 
of others. Defiant violation of the Code of Ethics I have always opposed ; but I will do my ut- 
most for lawful conciliations. Mr. President, I fear that this reconsideration menaces new hos- 
tilities ; and that it the present opportunity be neglected, a whole generation may pass away be- 
fore a settlement will again be possible. I move that a committee of conference be selected 
from the different factions to arrange for an amicable settlement of all our difficulties. Not 
seconded. 20 
pulsion, and not on any report of the Comitia Minora. Drs. Watson, Hunt, 
Benson, Abernetliy, Morris, Culver, Talson and Vondy also remarked upon 
the question in point. 
Dr. Culver moved to lay the whole matter on the table until the evi- 
dence upon which the recusant members were convicted by the Society could 
be produced and re-read. Seconded. 
Upon the vote being taken the result was a tie. The Chair then decided 
in the affirmative. 
Dr. Morris moved to take Dr. Culver’s motion from the table. Seconded. 
(Query—What motion ?) 
The Chair said that, inasmuch as the Society had just decided to lay 
the whole matter on the table until the evidence of the guilt ol the recusant 
members could be produced and re-read before the Society, that he would 
decide Dr. Morris to be out of order. 
Dr. Watson moved that the Society now proceed to consider the pending 
amendments to the Constitution. Seconded by Dr. Culver. 
Dr Morris now appealed from the decision of the Chair in declaring out 
of order his motion to take from the table Dr. Culver’s motion. The Chair 
again decided Dr. Morris to be out of order in his appeal. 
Dr. Morris appealed again, demanding that the ayes and nays be called. 
On the ayes and nays being called, the vote resulted as follows: Ayes—Drs. 
Abernetliy, Benson, Comfort, Culver, Field, Gilman, McBride, McGill, Mc- 
Loughlin, Miller, Paul, Rau, Variek, and Watson—Fourteen. Nays—Drs. 
Carpenter, Case, Craig, Everitt, Eddy, Forman, Hunt, Lutkins, Morris, O’- 
Callaghan, Prendergast, Seltiow, Talson, Van Houten, Yiers, and Vondy— 
Sixteen. The Chair was thus not sustained in its decision. 
Dr. Morris then moved that we now vote on the acceptance or rejection 
of Dr. Culver’s resolution, as it appears in the minutes. Seconded. 
Dr. Culver moved that “ we do now adjourn.” Seconded. Ayes, fifteen ; 
nays, fifteen. Lost. (Chair voting in affirmative.) 
Dr. Morris repeated his motion to take from the table Dr. Culver’s motion. 
Seconded. (Query. What motion of Dr. Culver’s was tabled ?) Dr. Morris 
was declared out of order by the Chair. 
Dr. Morris appealed from the decision of the Chair, calling for the ayes 
and nays. Ayes, thirteen ; nays, sixteen. Chair not sustained. 
Dr. Culver moved that the Society adjourn. Seconded. Motion lost. 
Ayes, fifteen ; nays, fifteen. (President voting.) 
Note. At this stage confusion and insult reigned supreme, and many left the undignified 
scene in disgust. 
Dr. L. orris demanded that the vote be taken on Dr. Culver’s resolution, 
expelling certain delinquent members from the Society, for a violation of the 
Constitution and Medical Ethics. Seconded by Dr. Forman. On the ayes 
and nays being called the vote resulted as follows : Ayes—none ; nays— 
Drs. Carpenter, Case, Craig, Eddy, Everitt, Forman, Hunt, Lutkins, Morris, 
O’Callaghan, Prendergast, Selnow, Van Ilouten, Yiers and Vondy—fif- 
teen. 
Note.—The expulsion vote could only be reached by reconsideration, and it was too late 
for that. 
Dr. Morris’s amendment to expunge the words Comitia Minora, etc., 
from the Constitution, was adopted by the following vote : Ayes—Drs. Car- 
penter, Case, Craig, Eddy, Forman, Hunt, Lutkins, Morris, O’Callaghan, 
Prendergast, Selnow, Van Houten,Yiers and Vondy—fourteen. Nays—Drs. 
McGill and Miller—two. 
Dr. Everitt was excused from voting. 
Dr. Hunt’s amendment to article second of the Constitution was adopted 
by the following vote : Ayes—Drs. Carpenter, Case, Craig, Eddy, Everitt, 21 
Forman, Hunt, Lutkins, Morris, O’Callagban, Prendergast, Selnow, Yan 
Houten, Yiers and Yondy—fifteen. Hays—Drs. McGill and Miller—two. 
Dr. Hunt’s amendment to article fourth of tlie Constitution was adopted 
by the following vote : Ayes—Drs. Case, Craig, Eddy, Everitt, Forman, Hunt, 
Lutkins, Morris, O’Callaghan, Prendergast, Selnow, Yan Ilouten, Yiers and 
Yondy—fourteen. Hays—Drs. Carpenter, McGill and Miller—three. 
Dr. Morris moved that the Secretary be notified to inform the re-admitted 
members of the result of the vote, and also to notify them of the next meet- 
ing of the Society. Seconded and carried. 
Dr. Morris moved that a committee of three be appointed by the Society, 
consisting of Drs. Yondy, Hunt and Forman, to take charge of the “ Consti- 
tutions and By-Laws,” with power to take out and put in what they may 
think proper, and have the same printed. Seconded. Dr. Morris modified 
his motion at the suggestion of several members, so far that the committee 
should report to the Society the alterations they should make, before having 
the books printed, and submit the same for its consideration. Seconded as 
amended. 
Dr. Prendergast said that he considered three too small a number—five 
would be better—and offered this as an amendment, “ The committee to con- 
sist of five members.” Dr. Morris accepted Dr. Prendergast’s amendment 
and further amended the motion by moving that Drs. Eddy and Prendergast 
be added to the committee. The motion, as amended, was carried. Ayes— 
fifteen ; nays—one. 
A vote of re-consideration was then taken on all the amendments to the 
Constitution passed, and lost. 
On motion, the Society adjourned. 
J. D. McGILL, 
Secretary, gyro tem. 
Note.—Prefatory to meeting of February 4th, 1873. 
Immediately after January 7th, 1873, Drs. Hunt, Morris & Co., evidenced great anxiety to 
get possession of the minutes. They applied to the Secretary for them. The Secretary, too 
obsequious to their wishes, made haste to demand them of the Secretary pro tem. The Secretary 
pro tem. suspected, from their haste, their unscrupulousness, their manner, and their remarks, 
that they now sought to supplement the minutes with something which had inadvertently been 
left undone, and therefore refused to give up his minutes until approved by the Society It 
transpired afterwards that it was the “ Forman motion, ’ whose fate excited so much solicitude. 
They began to reflect that they had acted upon too many of Dr. Morris’s motions instead. Not- 
withstanding this qualm they came to the February 4th meeting, flushed with their recent vic- 
tory, full of hope, and reinforced with the attendance of three of the expelled gentlemen, anx- 
ious to do their will. 
Regular Meeting, 
District Medical Society of Hudson County, H. J. 
February 4th, 1873. 
Members present: Drs. Yarick, Culver, Yondy, Reeve, Chabert, Buck, 
Lutkins, Morris, Buffet, Payne, Hunt, Craig, Watson, Talson, Miller, Benson, 
Hardenburg, Sehiow, Wolf, Case, Yiers, Prendergast, Gilman, Geisler, Bird, 
Avery, Abernethy, Mitchell, Morgan, McGill, McLoughlin, Paul, McBride, 
Eddy, and Carpenter—tliirty-five. 
Dr. Miller, the President, in the chair. P 
The meeting was called to order by the chair, and the Secretary proceeded 
to call the roll, but was interrupted by the President, who objected to the call- 
ing of the first name on the roll, viz., Dr. Cornelison. The ground of the 
objection was, that Dr. Cornelison was one of the twelve recently-expelled mem- 
The objection of Dr. Miller was met by a protest from Dr. Mortis, who 
insisted upon having the name of Dr. Cornelison called, stating that the ex- 
pelled members referred to were reinstated by the passage of a motion, offered 
by Dr. Forman, at the regular meeting in January, and that the Secretary 
was thereby obliged to include the names objected to. P 22 
P Power of the President to dictate how the roll should be called * 
P Dr. Morris moved that the names objected to by the President be called.f 
The chair having decided that the names of the twelve recently-expelled 
members should not be called, Dr. Morris \ appealed from\ the decision of the 
chair. Seconded by Dr. Vondy. 
The chair refused to entertain the appeal, declaring it “ out of order." 
After some discussion between Dr. Morris and others, the chair finally stated 
the point of order, ivhich was that Dr. Morris shoxdd have moved to appeal 
instead of saying, “ I appeal" Dr. Morris now moved to appeal from the 
decision of the chair, declaring that the names of Dr. Cornelison and others 
should not be called in the roll. Seconded by Dr. Vondy. A very excited de- 
bate here took place between Drs. Watson, Morris, Vondy, Culver and others, 
all order being lost. 
Dr. Morris moved to suspend the bydaw requiring the calling of the roll, 
and thus expedite business. Seconded by Dr. Vondy. Objected to by Dr. 
Culver. A vote being taken on this motion, it was lost. P 
Dr. Morris moved to go into a committee of the whole. Seconded. Re- 
marks by Drs. Watson, Culver, Morris and Vondy. The motion was finally 
withdrawn. 
Dr. Morris moved that the Secretary call the roll as it stands on the min- 
ute-book. Carried. 
The roll was now called, in compliance with the last motion, when the 
names of Drs. McDowell, Kudlick, Geisler f and j. Lowenthal were objected to 
for non-payment of dues. 
The names of Drs. A. G. Avery, J. B. Burdett, E. P. Buffett, J. Q. Bird, 
J. M. Cornelison, L. W. Elder, F. Geisler, J. II. McDowell, E. J. Lowenthal, 
J. F. Morgan and F. E. Noble were objected to by Dr. McGill, who wished 
his oojection noted.§ 
The minutes of the previous meeting were now called for, wdien the Se- 
cretary stated that they were not in his possession, nor had they ever been. 
The Secretary pro tem. of the January meeting being called on for the minutes 
produced them and, by the direction of the President, proceeded to read them. 
Dr. Vondy objected to the minutes being read by Dr. McGill. Dr. Morris 
objected to the minutes, and reciuested that they be re-read in order that they 
might be corrected in detail. The chair declined to grant the request.|| Dr. 
Watson moved that they be re-read in so far as they relate to the motion of 
Dr. Forman. Seconded and carried. 
They were then re-read in part by Dr. McGill, f j. 
Dr. Morris moved that the minutes be corrected in detail. Seconded and 
carried. 
f Dr. Morris moved to correct the minutes, so that it shall be stated in them 
that “ business was transacted between the laying on the table of Dr. Forman''s 
motion, by the motion of Dr. Culver, and the motion to ‘ take from the table 
Dr. Forman's motion,’ ” which was declared out of order by the chair, on the 
ground that no business had been transacted. Dr. Vondy seconded the motion 
to so correct them, and, on a vote being taken, the motion was carried f j. 
Dr. McGill now continued the reading of the minutes. Dr. Watson 
here explained his views in regard to the action of the Society at its last 
meeting, especially in reference to its action upon the Forman motion. Dr. 
Morris objected to Dr. Watson’s remarks, as being foreign tothesubject under 
consideration, i. e., correction of minutes. 
The chair decided Dr. Watson “in order,” and Dr. Morris then appealed 
* Underneath a small paster. 
f Covered with blank paster, which has been raised. 
% Note. All this is a paster, with four small pasters over it. 
§ Note. That they were not members. 
|| A misstatement. 
T Note.—This motion was made, but was not carried. It is erased by cross scratchings. 23 
from the decision of the chair. The ayes and nays being taken on the appeal, 
it was lost and the chair sustained. Ayes, nineteen ; nays, eleven, as follows : 
Ayes—Varick, Culver, Chabert, Payn,Watson, Talson, Miller, Benson, Wolfe, 
Viers, Gilman, Abernethy, Mitchell, McGill, McLoughlin, Paul, McBride, 
Eddy and Carpenter—'nineteen. Nays—Vondy, Reeve, Lutkins, Morris, 
Craig, Harden burg, Selnow, Case, Prendergast, Avery and Morgan—eleven. 
Dr. Watson now continued his remarks, criticizing the Forman motion, 
strongly condemning it, and expressing himself most earnestly in opposition to 
it; quoting various authorities to support his position. He also reviewed 
other acts of the Society at the January meeting. (The following is Dr.Wat- 
son’s argument, in part: 
Mr. President: 
I desire to call your attention to the following facts : First. The motion 
of reconsideration is in violation of the Constitution of this Society, and, 
therefore, ought never to have been entertained. The moment the motion of 
expulsion was passed, and that fact declared by the Chair, the gentlemen to 
whom it referred ceased to be members. It now follows as a necessity that 
they must comply with Article V. of the Constitution, if they desire to be 
re-admitted ; as this is the only article in the whole Constitution relating to 
the mode in which membership can be obtained. The article reads as fol- 
lows :— 
Article Five. 
u Any practitioner of medicine and surgery, of acceptable moral and pro- 
fessional reputation, who is a graduate of a medical college, ora licentiate of 
a medical organization, either in affiliation with the American Medical Asso- 
ciation, or by them recognized as qualified to grant medical diplomas, shall 
he eligible to membership in this Society. Every proposal for membership 
accepted, shall be referred to a committee of three members, appointed by 
the President, that shall forthwith proceed to examine the eligibility of the 
candidate, and shall report thereupon at a subsequent meeting. The report 
received, an election by ballot shall be held, and a concurrence of three-fourths 
of all the members present will be required to admit such candidate. Upon 
admission, each member shall subscribe his name to the Constitution and By- 
Laws, and pay an admission fee of five dollars inti; the treasury ; he shall also 
pay twenty-five cents per month thereafter.” 
Gentlemen, at the last regular meeting of this Society, not only was the 
Constitution openly violated ; but parliamentary law suffered the same fate. 
It is true, Dr. Mondv has recently informed us, that we have nothing to do 
with parliamentary law. I regret sincerely to hear the gentleman give utter- 
ance to such sentiments at this time, especially as he, and those now acting 
with him, were formerly not only advocates, but sticklers on this subject. 
Why have we such a declaration now ? AVhat does it mean ? Are we to un- 
derstand that in the future we are to be governed by mob law ? I trust not! 
Permit me here to say that Parliamentary law is as binding on this Society 
as a body as is the common law of the land upon us as individuals. Have we 
an individual in our organization who would assert that the common law of 
the land is not binding on him? 
I think not, and I hope all may be found equally ready to render obe- 
dience to those laws governing societies, among the civilized nations of earth, 
i will now read to you from Cushing’s Law and Practice of Legislative As- 
semblies, page 508, paragraph 1276, the following law binding on this ques- 
tion of reconsideration : “ It is a general principle, also, with regard to this 
matter, that there can be no reconsideration of an order, the execution of 
which has already commenced.” 
The motion of expulsion which you have pretended to reconsider was 
passed at a regular meeting of the Society, held October 1st, 1872, and the 
names of the expelled were published to the members of the Society within a 24 
few days of that time. The publication of the names ended the execution of 
the order j it therefore follows there could he no reconsideration in this case. 
The motion of reconsideration was not made until the first Tuesday in No- 
vember, 1872, and failed to be acted on until the first Tuesday of January, 
1873, when it was taken from the table; whereupon Dr. Morris moved that 
Dr. Forman’s motion be now acted on. Carried. 
Permit me here to call your attention to this fact, that, although Dr. 
Morris’s motion was carried, Dr. Forman’s was not acted on. I am willing 
to admit that Dr. Forman’s motion should have been called up immediately 
after the preliminary motion was passed ; but here is a vital omission. The 
question may arise whether this preliminary one was in order or not. In an- 
swer to this 1 will read to you from Jefferson’s Manual, page 130, paragraph 
5 : ‘‘When any motion or proposition is made, the question, ‘ Will the house 
now consider it?’ shall not be put, unless it is demanded by some member, or 
is deemed necessary by the speaker.” Dr. Culver moved “ to lay the whole 
matter on the table until the evidence on which the recusant members were 
expelled could be produced and re-read.” Carried. 
This was, the same day, taken from the table by a motion of Dr. Morris, 
in violation of parliamentary law. The first violation here consisted in at- 
tempting to do what we had just agreed by vote to leave undone until certain 
conditions could be complied with ; and this was done without a reconsidera- 
tion of Dr. Culver’s motion. 
The second violation is one of vital importance to the whole question, 
and nullifies all your previous action in this matter of reconsideration, for the 
reason that the evidence on which the Society acted when the vote of expul- 
sion was taken, was not produced in accordance with the motion of Dr. 
Culver. I will cite here Cushing’s Law and Practice of Legislative Assem- 
blies, page 508, paragraph 1274,which is as follows: “The further effect of 
this principle is, that, though a motion for reconsideration may be made and 
discussed, in the absence of the paper to which it relates, yet if decided in the 
affirmative, it will be wholly ineffectual and inoperative until the paper in 
question is in the possession of the house.”) 
Dr. Morris remarked upon the minutes, and moved that they be corrected 
to read, “ The motion of Dr. Forman, that ‘ the twelve expelled members be 
reinstated,’ was acted upon and passed.” Seconded by Dr. Vondy. 
The Chair declared this motion out of order. 
Dr. Morris appealed from the ruling of the Chair, and the appeal was also 
declared out of order. 
Dr. Morris moved that the minutes be amended to record the passage of 
the Forman motion. Seconded. 
Remarks by Dr. Culver. He states that the Forman motion did 
at the last meeting. The Doctor was called to order in the course of his re- 
marks by Dr. Morris, for personalities, having referred to members present 
as “ conspirators.” Dr. Culver continued his remarks, reviewing the action 
of the Society at its last meeting, and branding it as “ infamous.” f j. 
He wras called to order by Dr. Carpimter, the point of order being that 
that the Doctor was speaking foreign to the subject under consideration, i. e., 
correction of minutes. 
The Chair ruled Dr. Culver “ in order,” and Dr. Morris appealed from 
the decision of the chair. No notice was taken of the appeal. When Dr. 
Culver had finished his remarks, Dr. Morris requested to have noted his ex- 
ception to the neglect of the President in disregarding his appeal. 
Mr. President: 
The last regular meeting of this Society was rendered infamous by the 
conduct of some of its members. Pardon my indignation, Mr. President, 
that an inviting opportunity to harmonize all the conflicting views and inter- 
ests which divide into cliques the medical men of this County, should have 
been scorned and thrown away, merely to gratify a personal spite or indivi- 25 
dual ambition. Prior to that meeting couriers scoured the district, freighted 
with prejudice and misinformation. To accomplish a preconcerted plot mem- 
bers were brought out who were strangers to our meetings—members who 
have never assisted ns in any laudable undertaking, came to take a hand in 
the disintegration of the Society. No one will dispute their right to meet 
with us—it is to be hoped that we may meet often, until acquaintance even- 
tuates in harmony of purpose. 
The object of a meeting so unusual was kept a profound secret among 
themselves; and other members of the Society were uninformed of the treach- 
ery and the foe in ambush. 
We now know that there was a conspiracy and that the meeting was 
packed in the interest of a faction, so meagre at first as to consist of but three 
or four persons. The scheme was comprehensive. They were to rule or ruin 
our Society. They were to dictate who might occupy hospital and other pub- 
lic appointments. Already they have aspired to Hunt us from the St. Francis’ 
Hospital, and make us perform a Morris-dance down the front steps. It was 
the inimitable Vondy, who, with sullen drawl and whine, snarled out at our 
last Society meeting his memorable pronunciamento, “ We’re a goin’ to run 
this Society now, and teach you fellers some decency.” May he comprehend 
what I am saying, and take a just pride in his pupils. (Confusion and cries 
of “ order.”) Some years this gentleman has attended one or two meetings 
of the Society ; other years not one. In times past (“ order,” “ order,” etc.) 
he took no interest in our affairs. (“ Order.”) 
Mr. President, pardon my digression from the January meeting. Not 
one of the conspiring members participated in the Scientific Session, and their 
first unseemly act was to terminate it prematurely. Finding that they had a 
majority of one present their leaders became factious, excited and headlong 
in their movements. They indulged in remarks that were impolite, untruthful 
and criminating—in discourteous personalities and great provocations. One 
of the leaders was up and down incessantly, ever defying the authority of the 
President, imputing false motives, and gratuitously and grossly insulting him. 
Motions and resolutions were offered helter-skelter— one would crowd out and 
defeat another—without regard for evidence, or law, or parliamentary usasje, 
and even in contravention of them. 
During the tumult and confusion which existed at one time many mem- 
bers left the meeting in disgust, without the requisite permission from the 
President. This gave the conspirators a clear majority. Judged by the busi- 
ness subsequently transacted, the partizan proceedings seem to us merely ma- 
licious, disorganizing, destructive—otherwise purposeless. They sought to 
overturn the safeguards of the By-Laws, the Constitution and the Code of 
Ethics, and to plunge the Society headlong into criminality, extravagance 
and debt. They endeavored, in their delirium, to return to the Society, on a 
sheer subterfuge—a pretended reconsideration—a trumped-up technicality— 
oblivious of law and good morals—certain expelled members, who. to this day, 
remain unpurged of their crimes, and whose expulsion, once clamored for by 
them, is even now admitted by these parvenue abettors, to have been justly de- 
served. 
I am told that the recent edition of the “ Constitution, etc.,” is ordered 
to be destroyed and anew one printed. 
We submit, Mr. President, that such irregular and factious proceedings 
do not tend to make the sessions of a Medical Society available for the diffu- 
sion of valuable knowledge; nor do they promote harmony among medical 
men ; neither do they redound to the honor of our District Society, and main- 
tain high the standard of professional character. On the contrary, they bar 
out information; they excite mischievous antagonisms among members; and 
they lead on, step by step, to the faithless disavowal of those ethical obliga- 
tions to which we have individually subscribed our names. 
Therefore, Mr. President, let no record of our last meeting deface the 26 
minute-book. Let the memory of those unfriendly tricks pass quickly into 
oblivion, never henceforth to point a satirical allusion and mantle our cheeks 
with shame. I protest against the hostile and unparliamentary acts and ma- 
noeuvrings of that meeting, and I protest against the preservation of any 
memento of the infamy.) 
After two unsuccessful efforts to adjourn, it was moved by Dr. Watson 
that, “ the minutes be approved as far as re-read.” The ayes and nays being 
taken upon the motion, it was lost. Ayes—Chabert and Payn—Two. Nays 
—Yarick,* Culver, Yondy, Reeve, Lutkins, Morris, Buffet, Craig, Watson, 
Talson, Miller, Benson, Ifardenburg, Wolfe, Case, Yiers, Prendergast, Gil- 
man, Avery, Abernethy, Mitchell, Morgan, McGill, McLoughlin, Paul, Mc- 
Bride, Eddy and Carpenter—Twenty-eight. 
Dr. Morris moved to amend the minutes so that they shall record the pas - 
sage of the Forman motion. Declared “ out of order.” 
Dr. Morris appealed from the decision of the Chair. The appeal was also 
declared out of order. 
Dr. Morris moved to adjourn. Seconded. The ayes and nays being 
called for, they were taken as follows : Ayes—Yarick, Culver, Yondy, Reeve. 
Lutkins, Morris, Buffett, Payn, Craig, Watson, Talson, Miller, Selnow, Case, 
Prendergast, Avery, Mitchell, Morgan, McGill, Paul, McBride, Carpenter— 
Twenty-two. Nays—Wolfe, Yiers, Gilman, Abernethy, McLoughlin, Eddy 
—Six. Adjourned. 
Note—Dr. Mitchell, Secretary, had, at the February 4th meeting, espoused the cause of 
Drs. Hunt, Morris & Co., though, at a later date, he declared publicly that all his sympathies were 
with the “ other party." The above minutes falsify his profession, however, for they are false 
in important particulars, apparently in the interest of the insurrectionary party. His minutes 
were written out by himself, and afterwards important modifications were made by means of eras- 
ures and pasters. The pasters cover what had first been written ; some of them are left blank, 
some are written over. Words written over pasters and interlineations are in italics. Erasures 
are marked f j.—Pasters, P. 
Dr. Mitchell did not call the roll of members as it stands on the minute-book, in accord- 
ance with Dr. Morris’s ambiguous motion—but he called the names of those who had been ex- 
pelled, three of whom were present. 
Dr. Morris strove hard to supplement the minutes with figments of no earthly importance, 
but failed. The attacking column was bewildered. The correct minutes of the previous meet 
ing were not adopted. The loyal party did not wish them to be recorded at all; the disloyal party 
did not wish them to be recorded until they could first manipulate them Both agreed to ad- 
journ, and both laughed heartily at Dr. Morris, who rose and sat down so often during the ses 
sion, as waggishly to suggest a play of Jack-in-the-box, or the nips of a Tarantula. The champions 
of the developing plot left in irate dudgeon. 
During the month of January Dr. Culver had worked for reconciliation. Dr. Buck had pro- 
mised Dr. Culver to advocate it at the February meeting. Di. Tallson was furnished by Dr. 
Culver with a schedule, proposing a commission, to consist of one representative of each faction, 
to arrange a basis of settlement, to which every medical gentleman in the County could honora- 
bly subscribe, agreeing to let by-gones be by-gones, and ever in future to act in good faith for the 
promotion of harmony, and the perpetuation of the District Medical Society. 
Dr. Buck was absent from the meeting. Dr. Tallson could find no opportunity to propose 
the peace, so stormy and bellicose was the session. 
The following is the schedule above alluded to : 
Prospectus. 
Shall we dishonor the constitution and code of ethics to which we have all subscribed? 
Shall we disorganize the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson, N. J. ? 
Shall we appeal to the State Society ? 
or, 
Shall we seek to harmonize the several cliques into which the society and other medical 
practitioners residing within this county are now divided? 
Cannot a Board of Arbitration, composed of one representative from each faction, be 
formed, that shall consider this whole matter, and determine upon a written agreement of indi- 
vidual responsibility to the ethical provisions of the code and constitution, which cannot be 
disavowed without annulling membership, and which shall be accompanied with the provision 
that no member shall heieafter ever allude in our meetings to past differences—all parties qual- 
ified being admitted to membership who will sign the agreement ? 
* Varick voted nay. 27 
CAPTURE OF THE DISTRICT MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
Special Meeting of the Hudson County District Medical Society, 
Court House, Jersey City, 
February 11th, 1873. 
Members present: 
Drs. Cornelison, Varick, Culver, Elder, Vondy, Buck, Lutkins, Forman, 
Morris, Buffett, Hunt, Noble, Craig, Watson, Burdett, Miller, McDowell, 
Hardenburg, Benson, Selnow, Tiers, Geisler, Prendergast, Gilman, Bird, 
Avery, Laowentlill, Abernetby, Mitchell, Freeman, Tan Houten, Morgan, 
McLoughlin, Paul, Eddy, Everitt.—(Thirty-six).* 
The President, Dr. Miller, in the chair. The Secretary read the call for 
this meeting, which was as follows f * * * * The Secretary 
now began to call the roll, but was interrupted by the President, who objected 
to the f first 4- name called—that of Dr. Cornelison. P 
Dr. Morris rose to a point of order, which he stated as follows : “ The 
presiding officer of this Society should not take advantage of his official posi- 
tion to object to proceedings in this body y such objections being equivalent to 
“ decisions,” and requiring an “ appeal” to enable the business to proceed, 
while an objection from another member would need no such appealP 
Dr. filler withdrew\ his objection, and the calling of the roll was con- 
tinued. Dr. Culver objected to “ the names of those members who, by a simple 
act of the Secretary, were added to the rollf and wished his objection noted in 
those words. Dr. Hunt and Dr. Buck% remarked upon the objection of Dr. 
Culver. Dr. Morris moved, seconded by Dr. Lutkins, that the roll be called 
as it | appears on the Minute book. Carried. The calling of the roll was 
now completed. P 
Dr. Culver here objected to the call for this meeting, that one 
of the gentlemen whose name is attached to it is not a member of this Society. 
Upon being called upon to state to whom he referred, Dr. Culver said he had 
reference to Dr. Lutkins. Dr. Lutkins objected to this statement, and de- 
clared it untrue.** P 
The discussion of this subject was temporarily terminated by the read- 
ing of two other names—those of Drs. Morris and Hunt—which were also 
affixed to its call. 
The special business of the meeting was now opened by the President, 
who called for the reading of minutes of the January meeting The Secretary 
stated they were still in the hands of Dr. McGill, from whom he had just 
received a communication, stating that he was out of town, and that the 
minutes were still in his possession.ff 
Dr. Morris now offered a record of the transactions of the January 
meeting for the consideration of the Society. Dr. Vondy moved, that Dr. 
Morris read the record of the transactions of the January meeting, which 
* Eleven of these gentlemen were not members. The conspirators were out in full force. 
The call foretokened trickery, and the loyal members were tired of it. Only about eight of 
them were in attendance. 
f (A). It was not stated in the call for the February nth meeting, that Dr. Morris’ fictitious 
‘ record,” or “ preamble and resolution,” was'to be adopted, and afterwards voted “correct.” 
An absurd violation of Article II. of the Constitution, not less than a disregard of truth and 
good faith, was the result. 
X Error. 
§ Dr. Culver asked Dr. Buck, “ What is the true object of this special meeting ? Dr. Buck 
replied, “ We have come here to put these men back into the Society.” 
| Dr. Morris’ motion is ambiguous. Dr. Mitchell called a roll, at this time, which was 
never on the minute book at any period ot the Society’s existence. 
If Dr. C. said, those whose names headed the call, were very irregular in their attendance, 
and that the admission to membership of one of them had been most irregular. 
** Dr. Lutkins’ words were, “ I believe it’s a lie—I believe it’s a d d lie.” 
ff Dr. McGill was called unexpectedly away in haste, and left the minutes in his office. 28 
he has offerer!. Seconde 1. Dr. Culver objected to Dr. Morris being allowed 
to present* minutes, f Dr. Watson remarked that he did not consider 
that minutes adopted on this occasion, and under these circumstances, will 
be in any wise binding upon the Society. A vote being taken upon Dr. 
Yondy’s, it was carried. 
Dr. Morris moved, to be allowed to read a preamble and resolution 
before reading the record of the transactions of the January meeting. 
Seconded. Carried. Dr. Watson objected to the reading of the preamble 
and resolution, and wished his objection noted. Dr. Morris now read the 
preamble and resolutions, as follows: ****** 
Dr. Culver called Dr. Morris to order when reading the foregoing, 
for personalities. The point of order was sustained by the Chair. 
Dr. Morris appealed from the decision of the Chair. The Ayes and 
Nays being called for, they were taken as follows : 
Ayes—Drs. Culver, Watson, Benson, Gilman, McLoughlin, McBride. 
—Six. 
Nays—Drs. Cornelison, Elder, Yondy, Buck, Lutkins, Forman, Morris, 
Buffett, Hunt, Noble, Craig, Burdett, McDowell, Ilardenburg, Selnow, 
Yiers, Stout, Geisler, Prendergast, Avery, Lowenthall, Mitchell, Freeman, 
Van Houten, Morgan, Paul, Eddy, Everitt.—Twenty-eight. 
The appeal was therefore sustained, and Dr. Morris continued to read 
the preamble and resolutions. 
The record of the transactions of the Society at its January meeting, 
was also read by Dr. Morris. 
{The Fictitious Minutes.') 
Whereas— 
Dr. J. I). McGill, Secretary, pro tem., of the January meeting, has 
refused to deliver to the Secretary of this Society his record of said meet- 
ing, as Secretary, protein., claiming that it is his personal property, until 
approved by the Society, and 
Whereas— 
Dr. McGill does still, at this date, refuse to deliver the same to the 
only proper custodian of all papers belonging to the Society, and 
Whereas— 
It does appear from the reading of the record, kept by him, (he having 
read the same at the last regular meeting), that the transactions of the 
said meeting are not faithfully recorded, being garbled in very important 
points and decisions; and as a minority, with the presiding officer, did 
refuse to allow the said record to be so amended as properly to set forth the 
action of said meeting ; 
Therefore be it resolved— 
That we do now declare the following to be the record of the trans- 
actions of the meeting of January 7th, 1873. And we do hereby direct 
the Secretary to record the same in the book kept for the recording of 
minutes, together with this preamble and resolution. 
Roll was called, and the following were present: Drs. Miller, McGill, 
Watson, Culver, Yarick, McLoughlin, Tallson, Benson, Lutkins, Vondy, 
Selnow, Forman, Morris, Hunt, Craig, Field, Comfort, O’Callaghan, Case, 
Viers. Abernethy, Yan Ilouton, Paul, Eddy, Carpenter, Everett, Prendergast, 
McBride, and Iiau. 
Minutes of December meeting were read. 
Dr. Morris inquired in reference to non-recording of vote, by which 
several parties were declared elected to certain offices. Minutes were 
approved. 
Under Third Rule of order— 
* “ Manufacture,” was the word, 
f See note (A). 29 
Dr. McGill read an essay. As soon as essay was read, Dr. Morris 
moved, which motion was properly seconded, that we now go into executive 
session. 
This was objected to, but finally all opposition to the motion ceased, and 
it was carried. 
It was now moved that we open in the Eleventh Rule of order. This 
was lost. 
Fourth Rule was called.—Election of Officers—and closed. 
Fifth.—Report of Committees. None to report. 
Sixth.—Presentation of Claims. Dr. McGill presented a bill for print- 
ing, which was ordered paid. 
Seventh Rule.—No communication. Closed. 
Eighth.—Proposals for Membership. None. Closed. 
Ninth.—Balloting for Membership. None. Closed. 
Tenth.—New business. None offering. Closed. 
Eleventh.- -Unfinished business. 
Dr. Morris moved that Dr. Forman’s motion to reconsider the vote by 
which certain members of the Society were expelled for violation of the 
Constitution and Code of Medical Ethics, be nowT taken from the table. 
Carried. 
The reading of Dr. Forman’s motion was now called for, and it was read. 
There was considerable discussion, pro and con, and the motion was passed. 
The Ayes and Nays being called, but by some collusion or misunderstanding 
between the Secretary jpro tern, and the presiding officer, Dr. Miller, the 
Chair declared it had not passed; and again it was urged, and every 
reasonable effort made to bring it before the Society, but every attempt was 
a failure. 
Dr. Morris moved that Dr. Forman’s motion be now acted upon. 
Seconded by Dr. Hunt. Carried. Dr. Forman’s motion having been again 
reached, was now passed by a majority of those present, Ayes and Nays 
having been called. 
At this point the President was asked by Dr. Vondy the question, If 
the motion had now been passed, or how many times it was necessary to vote 
upon it to pass it ? ” and the President appealed to the Secretary for the 
facts, and finally decided that it had been passed. 
Dr. Morris called for the reading of the report of the Comitia Minora 
on the trial of recusant members. 
Dr. Morris called for the reading of resolution offered by Dr. Culver, in 
reference to expulsion of certain members for violation, etc. This resolution 
was now read, and remarks were made by different members. It was claimed 
by Dr. Hunt that, according to last clause ot Article III. of Constitution, 
this question was not debatable. Dr. Culver remarking on this question was 
called to order, but, by permission of the Society, was allowed to proceed. 
The Chair decided Dr. Culver in order, as the question before the Society 
was the resolution of Dr. Culver, in reference to expulsion, and not the 
report of the Comitia Minora. 
Remarks were made by others upon the question. Dr. Culver moved 
to lay the whole matter upon the table, until the evidence upon which the 
recusant members were convicted by the Society could be produced and read. 
Upon a vote being taken, the result seemed to be a tie, and the Chair then 
declared the motion carried. 
Dr. Morris moved to take the resolution of Dr. Culver from the table. 
Declared out of order by the Chair, as no business had been transacted 
since the motion to lay upon the table had passed. 
Dr. Watson made a motion to proceed to act upon the pending amend- 
ments to the Constitution. Seconded by Dr. Culver. Lost. 
Dr. Morris then renewed his motion, to take from the table the resolu- 30 
tion of Dr. Culver. Seconded. Dr. Morris stated that as business had now 
been transacted, his motion was certainly in order. Declared out of order. 
Appealed from the decision oftlie Chair. The Chair was not sustained. 
The motion was acted upon and carried ; and tlie resolution of Dr. Culver 
being then before the Society, the Ayes and Nays were called, and the 
majority of all present voted in the negative; and the resolution was 
declared by the President to be lost. A number of members here dis- 
courteously left the room without the assent oftlie presiding officer. 
After order was restored, Dr. Morris called for reading of amendment to 
the Constitution, offered by him at November meeting, which was read by 
the Secretary pro tem., and, receiving the vote of all present, except two; 
the Ayes and Nays being called, was declared passed. 
Dr. Hunt called for the reading of amendment offered by him at the 
November meeting ; which was now separately voted upon, and passed ; the 
Ayes and Nays being called, (two votes only in the negative.) Declared 
passed by the President. 
Dr. Morris moved that the Secretary be directed to notify those who, at 
this meeting, have been restored to membership, of the next regular meeting 
of the Society. Seconded and carried. 
Dr. Morris then moved a reconsideration of the vote by which each 
amendment to the Constitution had been passed. In each and every case 
a reconsideration was refused ; voting upon each separately. 
Twelfth Rule of order.—Appointments of Committees. 
Dr. Morris moved that the copies of the Constitution, By-Laws, etc., 
recently printed, and the amendments now adopted, be referred to a Special 
Committee of five to get into shape, and report to this Society for revision, 
before printing. Carried. 
Drs. Vondy, Hunt, Forman, Eddy, and Prendergast were appointed 
such Committee. 
Motion was now made to adjourn, which was carried unanimouslv. 
HENRY MITCHELL, 
Secretary. 
Dr. Hunt moved to adopt the preamble and resolutions. Seconded. 
This motion was declared out of order by the Chair. 
Dr. Hunt appealed from the decision of the Chair. A vote being 
taken, the appeal was sustained. Dr. Watson called for the reading oftlie 
preamble and resolution. 
They were then re-read by Dr. Morris. 
Dr. Watson remarked upon the motion of Dr. Hunt, and in the course 
of his remarks said that he doubted if any member present would say that 
the Forman motion to reconsider the vote by which certain members of this 
Society were expelled, was passed at the January meetiny. 
Dr. Forman arose and said that the motion referred to, “ did pass ” 
at the meeting referred to, and that he “ was ready to make affidavit to 
that effect.” 
Drs. Hunt and Morris also asserted that the motion to reconsider said 
vote to “ expel” did pass at the January meeting. * 
Dr. Culver seconded Dr. Watson in remarking upon the passage of Dr. 
Formams motion to reconsider said vote. He said there was much confusion 
among the members on that point, and stated that he believed the Secretary 
pro tern., Dr. McGill, at the time, considered the motion passed, and laid 
so recorded it in the minutes / but that he (Dr. C.) had suggested f to Dr. 
McGill that fj.it did “ not pass. ” 
* Dr. Morris’ motions were acted on, but Dr. Forman’s was not. See minutes of February 
7th, 1873. 
f The outrageous falsehood, postscripted in these interpolations, was trumped up and 
inserted with villainous intent. (See charges by Dr. Vondy). I hope Dr. Mitchell will some 
day confess how and by whom he was persuaded to do this. 31 
Dr. Morris called upon the Secretary to note Dr. Culver's statements. P 
Dr. Culver wishes his objection to the minutes, P presented by Dr. Morris, 
noted. 
The President now called Dr Watson to the Chair, and replied to the 
D charge made against him in the resolution read by Dr. Morris. He denied, 
\\.asan aspersion,P the statement referred to, and said it was far from his design 
to take a partisan position on this or any question. He wished to be 
understood as ruling without personal feeling toward any member, and 
with an earnest regard for justice toward all. 
Dr. Lutkins arose to a question of privilege. Dr. Culver had raised a 1* 
question in regard to his membership in this Society, and he desired to know 
upon what grounds such a personal attack is P made. He has for many years 
considered himself a regular member, and has been so considered by others. 
P The Dr. called upon the President for a reply to his question, “ Am i a 
member of this Society ? ” 
Dr. Morris requested the privilege of replying to Dr. Lutkins’ question. 
Dr. Morris referred to the minutes of the Society, and read a motion, offered 
by himself (Dr. M.), January 8th, 1867, which expunged from the minutes 
all action of this Society in reference to the P rejection of Dr. Lutkins, con- 
sequent upon his failing to sign the Constitution and By-Laws, Dr. Morris 
explained that the only charge ever made against Dr. Lutkins was that he did 
not sign the Constitution and By-Laws and attend the meetings, 
Drs. Buck, Hunt, and Yondy also spoke in reply to the question of 
Dr. Lutkins; each of these gentlemen confirming P Dr. Morris’ statement 
of facts. P 
Dr. Lutkins expressed himself satisfied with the assurances madeP of his 
being in regular membership, and hoped this would settle the question.* P 
Dr. Forman moved to erase from the preamble and resolution offered 
* Extracts from the Minute Book : 
Regular Meeting, 
May 5th, 1852. 
Dr. Olcott proposed the name of Dr. A. A. Lutkins, and having vouched for his being a 
licentiate,* he was elected a member of this Society unanimously. 
* Not a graduate. 
Regular Meeting, 
August gth, 1854. 
On motion, it was resolved that the Secretary of the Society notify Dr. Lutkins that he 
may sign the Constitution and By-Laws, and comply with the rules of the Society, on pain of 
suspension. 
Note.—Over two years after election. 
Regular Meeting, 
November 8, 1854. 
The Secretary then reported having notified Dr. Lutkins to attend and conform to the rules 
of the Society, on pain of expulsion. Report approved. 
Regular Meeting, 
February 22d,1855. 
Dr. Lutkins’ election to membership was reconsidered, and he was unanimously rejected. 
(Vide Minutes). 
N. B.—The By-Laws permit no second reconsideration. This is final, if legal. 
Regular Meeting, 
January 8th, 1867. 
Dr. Morris moved that all these proceedings be expunged from the minutes, except his 
election to membership (Nearly fifteen years after proposal, and twelve years after final 
action thereon). 
Note.—But this motion certainly did not re-elect him. His admission was most irregular, 
if not altogether contrary to law. 32 
by Dr. Morris, the reference to Dr. Miller. Seconded by Dr. Morris.* P 
(Where is the vote on this \) 
Dr. Watson moved to amend by including the reference to the name 
of Dr. McGill. Seconded. The previous question was now moved by Dr. 
Hunt. Seconded. This motion was declared “ out of order,” by the Chair. 
P Dr. Morris appealed from the decision of the Chair. Confusion here took 
place; Dr. Watson having the floor, and speaking in defense of Dr. McGill’s 
action in retaining possession of P the minutes of the January meeting. 
Dr. Yondy moved to appeal from the decision of the Chair, declaring 
the “previous question ” out of order. Seconded by Dr. Bird. Dr. Watson 
still claimed the floor, and was P declared “ in order ” by the Chair. Inter- 
ruptions from many of the members, and great confusion here followed. 
The Chair called for a vote on the motion for the previous question, 
when the motion was carried. 
Dr. Watson’s amendment P being called for, however, P it was, by request 
of the President, stated by the Secretary as follows: 
Dr. Watson moved to amend the motion of Dr. Forman, to include in 
the erasure, the name of Dr. McGill. P 
A vote being taken on this amendment, it was lost. Dr. Hunt’s motion, 
“ To adopt the preamble and resolution, offered by Dr. Morris,” being now 
in order, it was acted upon, and passed by the following vote : the Ayes and 
Nays being called. P 
Ayes—Cornelison, Elder, Yondy, Buck, Lutkins, Morris, Buffett, Hunt, 
Noble, Craig, Burdett, McDowell, Hardenburg, Selnow, Yiers, Geisler, 
Prendergast, Bird, Avery, Mitchell, Freeman, Van Ilouten, Morgan, Paul, 
Eddy, Everett, Stout.—Twenty-seven. 
Nays—Culver, Forman, Watson, Benson, Gilman, McLoughlin, McBride 
—Seven. 
Dr. Hunt moved to reconsider the P vote by which the preamble and 
resolution, offered by Dr. Morris, P was just passed. Seconded by Dr Prender- 
gast. Ayes and Nays were called for, and taken as follows : 
Ayes—Forman, Benson, Gilman. P—Three. 
Nays—Cornelison Culver, (not present), Elder, Yondy, Buck, Lutkins, 
Morris, Buffett, Hunt, Noble, Craig, Burdett, McDowell, Ilardenburg, Sel- 
now, Yiers, Geisler, Prendergast, Bird, Avery, Mitchell, Van Ilouten, Mor 
gan, McLoughlin, Paul, McBride (not present), Eddy, Everett.—Twenty- 
eight. f Dr. Watson refused to vote. P 
Dr. Hunt moved that the record of the transactions of the January 
meeting be declared correct. X Seconded. 
Dr. Watson P moved to amend by striking out the word “correct.” 
Seconded. 
Upon a vote being taken on the amendment, it was lost. Ayes—Three. 
Nays—Twenty-seven. 
A vote being taken on Dr. Hunt’s motion, it was carried as follows: 
Ayes—Cornelison, Elder, Yondy, Buck, Lutkins, Forman, Morris, 
Buffett, Hunt, Noble, Craig, Burdett, McDowell, Hardenburg, Selnow, 
Yiers, Geisler, Prendergast, Bird, Avery, Mitchell, Yan Ilouten, Morgan, 
Paul, Eddy, Everett.—Twenty-six. 
Nays—Benson, Gilman.—Two. Dr. Watson refused to vote. 
It was moved and seconded to adjourn. Carried. 
The Society now adjourned. 
Note.—The above minutes have been sadly and significantly tampered with. There are 
* This motion was carried, though it is not so stated in the minutes. 
f Drs. McBride and Culver were not present when this vote was taken ; but the Secretary 
here records their vote in the negative. 
t Voted “ correct,” after adoption When a naughty boy fibs, he often feels prompted to 
deny peremptorily all consciousness of lying. 33 
nineteen pasters used, and numerous interlineations. The reader will please compare the true 
minutes* of January 7th meeting, with the bastard ones of which Dr Morris was delivered. 
Dr. Mitchell added a false heading and false date, and copied the “Morris-record” into 
the minute book. 
THE SECESSION—AND FOKMATION OF A RIVAL SOCIETY. 
The writer lias seen a part of the minutes of the regular meeting of the 
Hudson County District Medical Society, held in the office of the Clerk of 
the Biard of Freeholders, near the Hudson County Court House, March 4th, 
1873, as written in pencil by Dr. Henry Mitchell, Secretary. They are 
characteristically kept. They are too crude, disjointed, and incomplete, to 
be printed. Suffice it to s:iy, that there is clearly visible in them an effort to 
criminate those gentlemen who were being abused, and to protect and parti 
cipate with the varlets who were maltreating them—to libel the innocent, 
and shield the guilty. 
At roll-call it became evident to all in attendance, that the conquering 
cohorts of Drs. Hunt, Morris, Vondy, and Co., were out in full force—mem- 
bers and non-members. Burlesque meetings were not to the taste of the 
more conservative members of the Society, many of whom remained at home. 
Those present counted only as a minority of the Society. They severally 
protested against calling on the roll the names of any persons who were not 
members. This brought Dr. Morris to his feet. He made his stereotyped 
motion, and then the Secretary called the roll as he saw fit. The President 
strove in vain to maintain order. The majority appealed from, and voted 
down, his every decision, however reasonable and just. They even expressed 
the sentiment that might makes right, and they would have their way. 
Dr. B. A. Watson read the following protest: 
To the 
District Medical Society for the County of Hudson, State of 
Hew Jersey. 
The undersigned protests against the regular meetings of said Society, 
held on the seventh day of January, fourth day of February, and the special 
meeting, held on or about the eleventh of February last past, for certain 
illegalities and irregularities in the action of the Society generally; against 
the false minutes pretended to have been adopted and approved, and all 
recognition to expelled members recorded, and specially as to the pretended 
reconsideration of the vote of the expulsion of certain persons; and the 
undersigned most respectfully yet earnestly protests against the action of said 
Society. 
B. A. WATSON, M.D. 
Jersey City, N. J., 
March 4th, 1873. 
Dr. Miller, the President, rose amid blatant confusion, and when order 
was somewhat restored, essayed to speak. He deprecated the hostilities 
evinced since his term of office began, exhorted the members to orderly and 
honorable conduct, and, as he sat down, implored them “ not to convert a 
sorry farce into a damning tragedy.” (Dr. Prendergast, who was a listener, 
published, three days afterwards, in the secular papers, that Dr. Miller spoke 
of the termination of the existence of the Society in a bloody tragedy; ” 
an anamorphosis diabolical enough to be quite satisfactory to a then blood- 
thirsty Prendergast). 
The minutes of the special February 11th meeting—(which see)—were 
read and discussed. Dr. Forman moved to approve the minutes, falsehoods, 
* Page 28, et seq. 34 
pasters, and interpolations included. Dr. Watson moved to amend, by strik- 
ing out all discourteous allusions to Dr. McGill from the “ preamble and 
resolution.” (Great confusion). 
Dr. Culver called attention to the following errors in the record : 
1. Dr. C. stated that Dr. Lutkins’ admission to membership is irregular; not 
that he is not a member. 2. Dr. C. did not call Dr. Morris to order, as 
stated, but read a part of Section TX.—“No discourteous personal allusion 
shall be made or tolerated.” An appeal was takeji however, as stated, and 
the By-Law voted down. 3. The attributed statement that Dr. Forman’s 
motion had been passed, and that Dr. McGill changed his minutes to read 
that it had not been passed, is utterly false, and without a shadow of excuse. 
Dr. McGill has the original minutes, written in pencil, at the January 7th 
meeting, which can be examined by anyone who thinks tit. Concerning this 
matter, not a single interlineation, or erasure, or change of any kind, exists, 
or has ever been made. 4. Dr. Culver is recorded, in Dr. Mitchell’s minutes, 
as having voted after he had left the room. Dr. Culver moved to amend by 
the correction of these grave errors. 
Both amendments were seconded. 
After a deluge of discourtesy from Dr. Avery and others—(“ Very dis- 
respectfulindeed,” is written by Dr. Mitchell)—Dr. Watson’s amendment 
passed by a small majority. 
The party leaders were herein unexpectedly discomfited. They rallied 
their commands forthwith ; and Dr. Culver’s amendment was lost by a strict 
party vote. 
This was the first time in the history of the District Medical Society 
that correction of the minutes had been objected to. In this instance it was 
disallowed by a majority vote of those present. Cuibono? As already 
hinted, these fabrications were invented and written in the minutes to sub- 
serve a pre-arranged purp< se. (See Dr. Vondv’s charges). 
The motion to approve the minutes of the February 11th meeting, was 
also passed by a strict party vote; thus sanctioning nineteen suspected 
pasters, and interlarded myths, and slander without stint. 
The first uproarious act in the “ sorry farce,” was completed. Dr. Vondy 
now stood up, and suddenly the silence of a death-bed scene came over his 
compeers, while, in drawling undertone, he began to read r 
Mr. President: 
It is with much regret that I feel it to be my duty to prefer charges 
against three members of this Society, viz., Drs. B. A. Watson, .1. E. Culver, 
and J. D. McGill, for “ contumaciously dishonoring the rulings of this 
Society, counterworking its objects and interests, and by such acts tending 
to degrade its standing and usefulness, and imperil its existence.” 
Specification 1st.—l charge that at the regular meeting of this Society, 
held at the Hudson County Court House, on Tuesday, January 7th, 1873, 
Drs. B. A. Watson and J. E. Culver did then and there rudely withdraw 
from the meeting without permission from the presiding officer, thereby vio- 
lating Sec. IV. of the By-Laws. 
Specification 2.—I charge that at a special meeting of the Society, held 
in the same place, on Tuesday, February 11th, 1873, Dr. B. A. Watson did 
contumaciously refuse to vote when his name was called, although a motion 
to excuse him was almost unanimously decided in the negative, thereby 
violating Sec. VI. of By-Laws. 
Specification 3.—I charge that Dr. J. E. Culver did, at the same meeting, 
improperly and rudely assert that Dr. A. A. Lutkins was not a regular mem- 
ber of this Society, he knowing that the said Dr. Lutkins had been a member 
for nearly twenty* vears, and in good professional and moral standing, there- 
by violating Sec. IX. of By-Laws. 
* Since January 8th, 1867. 35 
Specification 4.—I charge that Dr. J. D. McGill did, at the suggestion 
and with the connivance of Dr. J. E. Culver, so alter and change the minutes 
or record of the proceedings of this Society, at its meeting, on January 7th, 
1873, as to make them untrue in certain particulars, and no longer a faithful 
record of the action at said meeting, thereby violating Article VI. of Con- 
stitution. 
Specification 5.—I charge that Dr. J. E. Culver did conspire and con- 
federate with Dr. J. D. McGill, to alter and change his records or minutes of 
the proceedings of this Society, at a meeting on January 7th, 1873, and that 
he did so confess and admit before this body at its last meeting, thereby vio- 
lating Article VI. of Constitution. 
Specification 6.—I charge Dr. J. D. McGill with contemptuously with- 
holding the minutes of the regular January (1873) meeting of this Society, 
from the Secretary of said Society, (he being the only proper custodian of all 
its papers), he, the said Secretary, having made regular application for them, 
both personally and by letter; and I also charge the said Dr. J. D. McGill with 
having treated this Society disrespectfully, in that he, alter being duly noti- 
fied of a special meeting, to be held for the purpose of considering, correcting, 
and approving these minutes, did write to the Secretary of this Society from 
Princeton, 1ST. J., to the effect that the said minutes were yet in his posses- 
sion, thus withholding them from the Society in an irregular manner, and 
treating every member of this body with extreme discourtesy. 
J. H. VONDY, M.D. 
When the reading was finished Dr. Vondy, or one of his coadjutors, offered 
a Resolution to this effect that the charges be accepted as read. Dr. Culver 
moved to amend by striking out all after the word Resolved, and substituting 
so that the Resolution shall read as follows: 
Resolved, that Dr. A. A. Lutkins, J. II. Vondy, D. S. Hardenberg, F. C. 
Selnow, E. W. Buck, S. R. Forman, T. F. Morris, J. W. Hunt, Jas. Craig, 
S. V. W. Stout, C. II. Case, C. O. Viers, H. Mitchell, J. W. Van Houten, 
II. M. Eddy, J. J. Prendergast, and J. R. Everett, members of the District 
Medical Society of the County of Hudson, N. J., have conspired together, 
and have confederated with Dr. J. M. Corneilison, E. P. Buffett, F. E. Noble, 
J. B. Bur Jett, J. Q. Bird, A. G. Avery, L. W. Elder, F. Geisler, J. D. Mc- 
Dowell, E. J. Lowenthal, J. F. Morgan, and W. J. Hadden, who, last year, 
were expelled from membership in said Society, for violation of the Constitu- 
tion and medical ethics, and that they, the members aforesaid, all and every 
of them, have aided or abetted to counterwork the objects and interests of 
the said society, contumaciously to dishonor its rulings and code of 
ethics, to degrade its standing and usefulness, and to imperil its existence; 
and, therefore, Resolved, that the members above named be, severally and 
collectively, and they hereby are, summarily suspended from membership iti 
the District Medical Society of the County of Hudson, N. J., and from all 
and every the rights and privileges thereto appertaining. 
J. E. Cituver, M.D. 
Section VIII. of the By-Laws requires, and the custom of the society 
upholds the rule, that the vote on an amendment shall take precedence of 
that on the main question. Article VI. of the Constitution denies to accused 
members the right to vote upon questions involving their own discipline. 
Dr. Culver had included in his amendment the name of every member 
present belonging to the usurping faction, so that there could be no negative 
vote. The ayes and nays were taken. The amendment was, of course, 
carried by a few votes; but, to prevent the wholesale suspension imminent, 
and perchance simultaneously to rid the meeting of annoyance from intrud- 
ers, Dr. Culver rose before the President had time to announce the result, 
and moved an adjournment; reading deliberately and in a loud voice, from 
a written paper which he held in his hand, the following words : 36 
Mr. President: I move that the District Medical Society for the County of 
Hudson, H. J., do now adjourn, to meet immediately in the District At- 
torney’s room in the Court 1 louse in Hudson county, H. J. 
Seconded by Dr. McGill. “ Those in favor of such adjournment will 
please say Aye ” said the President. “ Aye ” was the emphatic and numerous 
response. “Those opposed, Hay,” continued the President. “Hay,” in 
fewer and more scattering accen s, was the reply. “ Carried ” said the Presi- 
dent rising, “ This meeting is adjourned.” “ITa! you going? 
The meeting is’nt adjourned,” bawled the leader of the usurping cabal to one 
who was about leaving. Taking the cue, several of his disciples began to 
dispute the adjournment, some of them clamoring at the President, who 
turning to them said, “ Gentlemen, the meeting is adjourned—I regard you 
all as a band of disorganizes.” The Secretary at first gathered his loose papers 
into the Minute-Book as if to depart with the Society, but listening to his 
Chief, he quickly assumed a position significant of a determination to remain. 
Hoticing this, and indignant at the unjust aspersions on his own character 
foully and with evil intent wrought into the Feb. 11 minutes during his ab- 
sence, which at this meeting had been ordered stricken out, but which, not- 
withstanding this order, were reiterated in “ Dr. Yondy’s charges ”—firmly 
convinced that the minutes themselves would show -who had garbled them, 
Dr. McGill wrested tin minute-book from the dastard grasp of the Secretary 
and walked toward the door. When half across the. room, half a dozen as- 
sailants beset Dr. McGill, and, nearly overpowered, he called to Dr. Watson, 
wdio was a fewr feet in advance, and threw the book to him. Dr. Watson 
caught the book before it fell to the floor, and passed it onward. It landed 
out doors on the front step. Dr. Watson cooly set about closing the front 
door. Meantime Dr. Varick, who had left the meeting prior to adjourment 
to visit a patient, espied the scuffle, the minute-book outside, and the papers 
blown about. lie returned from the street, gathered them all up, took them 
into his carriage, and drove away.* 
There was a struggle at the door. Some essayed to open it, some to close 
it. Dr. Prendergast’s eyes were so intently fixed upon Drs. Hunt, Morris, and 
Co., that he did not comprehend what was doing until the minute-book had 
left the room. He then rushed across the room, threw himself upon Dr. 
Watson, and attacked him vigorously. 
He struck Dr. Watson’s head against the door, and shattered the glass 
door-panel. The door bent like a withe, but Dr. Prendergast could not 
break it down, and Dr. Watson held it closed against all comers. 
The coveted book, now at a safe distance, Dr. Watson loosed the door, 
and those near it walked forth. Peace reigned, and laughter began. A 
moment, and Dr. Prendergast danced about in Donnvbrook-Fair fashion, and 
Dr. Mitchell said, “ the man who took that book is a thief.” Dr. McGill 
thereupon seized Dr. M.’s coat-collar, and Dr. M. suddenly changed his mind 
and begged Dr. McG. not to strike. Dr. McGill did not offer to strike. The 
insulting remark of Dr. Mitchell was the signal for a free fight on the part of 
the cycling Prendergast. He looked wild; and struck madly at one and 
another, and another; and twice he was knocked down in return for his 
gratuitous blows. Hot one of the conservative party struck a single blow, 
except in self-defence against the blows of Prendergast. 
Dr. Prendergast published a letter in the Evening Journal, March 7th, 
1S73, in which he says, “ Circumstances forced it upon me.” lie sought to 
exonerate himself, and to lay the blame on others; and he did not inform 
the public that he was the first and chief offender. The letter contains thirty- 
four sentences or periods. Twentv-six of these sentences contain misrepre- 
sentati ms, five are mere expressions of his opinion, two state facts, and one, 
the opening sentence, says, “Please give space in your valuable paper to a 
*The minute-book was afterwards placed in the custody of Dr. Miller, the President. 37 
correct version of the fracas, etc.” Dr. Prendergast signed this tissue of 
falsehoods, and circulated it among the baffled party for signatures. They 
responded thus: 
We, the undersigned, consider the above statement correct. 
Dr. A. A. Lutkins, 
J. J. Vondv, M.D., 
J. W. Hunt, M.D., 
Henry Mitchell, M.D., 
Janies Craig, M.D., 
F. E. Noble, M.D., 
J. M. Cornelison, M.D. 
E. P. Buffett, M.D., 
Jas. F. Morgan, M.D., 
James Paul, M.D., 
Sam. R. Forman, M.D., 
J. W. Yan Houten, M.D., 
J. B. Burdett, M.D., 
Chas. O. Yiers, M.D. 
It is said that Dr. Morris refused to sign it on account of its falsity. 
This straining at a gnat after swallowing a camel, reminds us of the part he 
has taken in the disruption of the Society, and the abortive trick played at 
the St. Francis’ Hospital. Let him nurse that conscience tenderly. 
Adjourned Meeting, 
District Attorney’s Room, Court House, 
March 4th, 1873, etc., etc. 
The adjourned meeting of the District Medical Society was held imme- 
diately in the District Attorney’s Room, in the Court House. Present—Drs. 
AVatson, McLaughlin, Miller, McGill, Benson, Gilman, McBride, and Culver. 
Dr. McLoughlin was made Secretary pro tem. An adjournment was moved, 
seconded, and carried unanimously, to hold the next regular meeting at 
a place to be designated by the President, in the notices to be issued. 
Meantime Drs. Hunt, Morris, Yondy, & Co., seceded, and returned to the 
room just vacated by the District Medical Society, where they organized 
by the appointment of officers. They adjourned, I suppose ; for on the 14th 
March, 1873, they published in the Jersey City Times, a daily paper, that 
ten members of the District Medical Society, and seven who are not mem- 
bers, had met, and “expelled Drs. Culver, McGill, Watson, Benson, and 
Miller.” Dr. \rarick was subsequently “ expelled ” by the same gang ; but 
whether they published him in the dailies or not, I do not know. In the 
Jersey City Times they style themselves “The Hudson County Medical 
Society.” Dr. McGill jocularly calls them the Modocs, and their haunts the 
lava-beds. They meet often. 
The District Medical Society has since held its regular monthly meet- 
ings, and none others. They have been chiefly devoted to scientific discus- 
sions, details of interesting cases of disease, and the examination of many 
specimens ot morbid tissues. The members have not lost temper, nor ex- 
pelled a member, nor published in the daily press or elsewhere distorted 
facts, nor have they made any appeal whatsoever to the forum of public 
opinion. Twenty-six members sustain the Society against about fifteen 
seceders. These latter have taken the expelled members into an alliance 
offensive and defensive; but not more than four or five of them all have 
hitherto attended the meetings of the Society often, nor have any of them 
exhibited much interest in its welfare. The former, the loyal twenty-six, 
include in their number those who have, at all times, by a noble ex- 
ample, inculcated the advantages of untiring study, patient painstaking in 
practice, and good faith and mutual forbearance in all professional inter- 
course ; most conspicuous among whom is a former President of the Medical 
Society of New Jersey. Their influence and irreproachable bearing have 
sustained the Society to the present time. 38 
RECAPITULATION. 
The loyal members of the District Medical Society have been content to 
watch the wily manoeuvring of their assailants, and to checkmate them by 
strictly parliamentary action; and, while they scorn to indulge in personal 
animosities, or to overreach by scheming or deception, they rely entirely upon 
the justice of their cause, confident of ultimate victory. “ Thrice armed is 
he whose cause is just.” 
The conceit to organize disorganization within the Society had not a very 
remote origin. Drs. Hunt and Morris first took umbrage because certain mem- 
bers, proven guilty of unlawful association, having forfeited their membership 
by non-payment of dues, were, according to custom, restored to membership 
on payment thereof. Something more than a year ago, after having election- 
eered with caution, they sprung upon the Society unawares the brilliant pro- 
ject of surrendering its Charter, so as to get rid of misbehaving members. The 
project failed, and Drs. Hunt, Morris and Yondy were thereat deeply af- 
fronted. _ 
Nearly a year afterwards, Drs. Hunt, Morris and Mitchell voted to4fi*&ti 
before the Comitia Minora certain members charged with illicit association. 
The investigation sustained the charges. But on the question of expulsion, 
which was entertained, rather than that of suspension, out of deference to the 
strongly expressed sentiments of Drs. Hunt, Morris & Co., these quondam 
sticklers for consistency astonished their associates by casting a negative vote. 
Now came the Forman motion to reconsider, which was tabled, and then a 
ridiculous batch of amendments to the Constitution was proposed, with some 
indications of ill-blood from Drs. Hunt and Yondy. 
At the annual meeting of the Society, December 3d, 1872, in the election 
of officers, the disorganizers were tabooed ; and this seems to have exasperated 
Drs. Hunt, Morris, Yondy & Co., beyond endurance. During the month fol- 
lowing, they enlisted all the disaffected, the indifferent and the new members 
whom they could persuade to join their cause. The January 7th, 1873, meet- 
ing, was packed in their interest; the Forman motion of reconsideration, in 
itself a mere unparliamentary ruse, was taken from the table, and it failed to 
pass only through Dr. Morris’s blundering. He was infuriate and overbear- 
ing, and the peaceably disposed were driven away. 
At the February 4th meeting, three pioneers, not members, made their 
appearance, and, by collusion with the Secretary, took part in the pro- 
ceedings. 
At the February 11th special meeting, nearly all the expelled gentlemen 
were present, presumably (to adopt the language of Dr. Buck) to put them- 
selves back into the Society. Their unauthorized enrollment by the Secre- 
tary, and their hasty recognition as members by the disorganizers, coupled 
together with the appointment, about this time, of several of the disorganizers 
on the staff of the defunct Hudson County Hospital, have the prima facie ap- 
pearance of a bargain struck. What was the bargain ? The disintegration 
of the District Medical Society was to be begun by the expulsion of its 
staunchest friends and supporters, the charges to be based on false and defam- 
atory assumptions. The publications m the daily papers are tinctured with 
personal spite. 
The onslaught on loyal members of the District Medical Society who are 
on the staff of the St. Francis’ Hospital, commenced about the same time, has 
a special significance ; and had this been successful, the same role might have 
been attempted at the Charity Hospital and the St. Mary’s. The attack was 
foiled. But the record of St. Francis’ Hospital was carried off by Dr. 
Forman and has not been returned. Dr. Morris left no record of the cases 39 
under liis care at this Hospital, for his successor, nor did he meet him to trans- 
fer them. The disintegrators affect to pass the loyal Physicians by whenever 
they meet, without recognizing them. Old pamphlets have been sent through 
the mails to physicians of the loyal party, addressed to them as “ Ex-members 
II. C. M. S.” This petty gratification of malice is too ridiculous to notice, 
only that it prompts the inquiry, “ Was revenge in the bargain ?” Drs. Hunt, 
Morris & Co. are very bitter against those who have so often defeated their 
machinations. The best friends of the Society, and especially the punctual 
attendants on all the meetings, shared the ill-will of those whom they had ex- 
pelled. 
Experience teaches that when an unworthy member of the medical pro- 
fession is charged with immoral or unprofessional behavior, however clear and 
explicit the proofs of his guilt, he immediately assumes towards the Society 
the role of injured innocence, and an air of contemptuous hostility ; complains 
to his friends and the public that the Society has been impelled in his case, by 
improper and personal motives ; arraigns the conscientious judgment of his 
brother members before the bar of public opinion ; canvasses indefatigably 
for the false issue throughout the County, and garners from the domain abun- 
dant gleanings of sympathy. But nobody ever defends or sympathizes with 
the right-minded members of the Society, who, braving popular prejudices, 
perchance honorably silent the while, are persistently misrepresented, pestered, 
and persecuted, because of, and for no other reason than, their honest endeav- 
ors to sustain a Code of Ethics to which they had subscribed in good faith.