The British statesman went a step further to state that not only our
happiness as a people but our strength as an organized society is depend-
ent upon the health of the people.

That the health of the people is a public responsibility is a proposition
that is accepted today in all civilized states. In our country, all levels of
government, federal, state and local, accept the principle stated by
Disraeli that the health of the people determines the happiness and the
strength of a nation.

I can tell you something about the recognition of the principle by
your State government. Since I was inaugurated as Governor on Janu-
ary 14, 1959, I have prepared two budgets for the operation of your
State government. In each, I have stressed the importance of economy
in the expenditure of the taxpayers' money. And yet, in neither have I
suggested that we economize at the expense of such vitally-needed
programs as education, health and welfare. For example, the budget
we adopted this year for the operation of the State during the fiscal year
which begins next July 1 calls for a general-fund increase of $28 million.
Of this amount, nearly $13 million represents the increase we allowed
for educational and related purposes. To improve the health of the
people, we decided to allot for health and hospitals nearly $4. 5 million
more than we appropriated for the previous year. This was 17. 5 per
cent of the total budget increase. To complete the overall picture of
public health, we should add to that the more than $1 million increase
we allotted for mental hygiene.

Consequently, we are spending in the forthcoming fiscal year in our
State government nearly $6 million more than was appropriated this
year for the good health of our citizens, knowing that the absence of
good health will produce unhappiness among the people and reduce
our effectiveness as a State and a nation....

By the establishment of this medical center, the mayor, the town
council and the people of Hurlock have acknowledged a public respon-
sibility for the health of the community. Your action demonstrates your
belief in the proposition that the health of the people is the foundation
of their happiness and their power. As your Governor, it gives me great
pleasure to pay tribute to the individuals and to the organized groups
whose unselfish and unyielding efforts produced this fine community
project. To Dr. Jason Yee and to his nurse, Mrs. Evelyn Harper, may I
say that I join with the people of Hurlock and of the northern area of
Dorchester County in an expression of gratitude for the work you have
done in curing the sick and healing the wounded.... I give hearty

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