Osteopaths Oppressed

Louisiana osteopaths last week were in a wracking situation. Since 1908 the State has allowed them to practice on a parity with doctors of medicine. At instigation of the Louisiana State Medical Society (Surgeon Roy Bertrand Harrison, new president)', State Representative Peter A. Hand presented an oppressive bill defining osteopathy in narrow terms. Last week the bill was before the House's judiciary committee.

Vainly osteopaths pleaded that they would be barred from surgery, medicine, drugs and liquor permits. In vain was a quotation from Dr. Louis S. Reed's report to the Committee on the Costs of Medical regarded it with contempt. In recent years the progressive evolution of osteopathy, the modification of its 'theory,' and the elevation of professional and educational standards have led doctors of medicine to assume a more tolerant and less hostile attitude. There is distinct evidence to the effect that with the further elevation of osteopathic standards the osteopaths will be assimilated into the regular body of medical practitioners."

Dr. Henry Tete, secretary of the Louisiana Osteopaths' Association, used all his weighty influence. From Washington his good friends & patients Congressmen Joachim Octave Fernandez and Paul Herbert Maloney wired protests to the committee. The committee unanimously recommended passage of the restrictions.

Cried Osteopath Dr. Tete: "I will continue practicing as I have done legally in Louisiana for two decades. They will have to arrest me every day in the month."

Soothed Surgeon Harrison: "We have no fight with osteopaths. Certainly no one wants to stop them from practicing. We cooperate with them."

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