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THE CASE OF THE WELL-MEANING LYNCHER l l l m n nn nnmuzzzzzzzzzzzzz George W. Henry Foundation, Fifth Annual ignorant and scientifically amateur may be Report, April 1, 1953, New York, N. Y. thought to be unkind. Yet, his own astonishThe Henry Foundation offers its services ing statements leave the thoughtful reader no to, "people in need either of psychiatric other alternative. treatment, counselling or help," and speFor instance, the passage quoted above cifically to homosexuals. A membership of would surely indicate on Dr. Henry's part a "Socially minded physicians and clergymen most sketchy knowledge of what might be and lawyers," is indicated in this present termed the comparative anatomy and moryear's report, "its second as a chartered phology of organizations in general. He goes corporation." into no details about "such societies" as may It states that "during the year the Foundahave come under his observation. In addition dealt with 291 new cases" referred to tion, he gives no indication that he has in it by the courts, by clergymen and others. any way evaluated the possible influences A few brief case histories are given, and a upon their success or failure of current sosummary made of the results obtained cial and legal pressures, of the effect of through the contact. It frankly admits "the limited precedents, or other considerations fact is that cure is possible-in the sense of highly pertinent. Furthermore, does he supcomplete abstinence from homosexual relapose that none of his readers is aware of tions-in an infinitesimal number of cases." the existence for years of well-conducted That "the well-adjusted homosexual is not and orderly homosexual organizations in apt to seek the counsel of a clergyman or many European countries and within the psychiatrist," is one of the statements made Mattachine Movement in United States? whose scientific implications seem not to have been suspected by Dr. Henry.

In one highly significant passage he writes, "In previous reports, I have spoken of attempts of homosexuals to band themselves together in mutual protective leagues. Men interested in promoting such enterprises have come to us for counsel and possible support. It has been my consistent policy to refuse to countenance such societies, and I have pointed out the dangers lying in wait for those who operate them."

"Lacking effective control, such groups inevitably deteriorate into places of assignation," he continues. At this point the informed reader cannot suppress a smile. Surely Dr. Henry should have gleaned from his case experiences at least a slight suspicion that modern society affords countless and convenient "places of assignation," for homosexuals, if they seek such, places far more attractive for such purposes than a moralistic league could ever hope to be.

Ignorance of this type might well be excused, coming from a busy scientist, out of

To adjudge one of such highly humanitarian motives as Dr. Henry as both grossly touch perhaps with the social trends of the

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