New York, Jan. 12—Dr. Robert Baird of New York City is in some respects a controversial man, whose plainspokenness is measured by his statement that he would willingly commit any convicted pusher to death by hanging on a meat hook. Such a sentiment, if that is the word for it, serves to attract attention—followed by disgust. Although the judgment survives that the recommended punishment is hardly appropriate for any crime, the man who recommends it is forgiven by anyone who fastens on his activities, because Dr. Baird, whatever his faults, is a genuine saint.
By day, Dr. Baird is a proper, Fifth Avenue endocrinologist. At night, he repairs to East Harlem where, year after year, every night, often until four in the morning, he tries to help narcotic addicts. One night a week he presides over a group therapy session, which conventionally focuses on the problems of the most recent arrival, which last week was a young girl, aged thirteen, there because her father, a shy, learned Jewish gentleman, prevailed upon her to go, and expose to the doctor that she regularly smokes marijuana.
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