of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor 111

the rushing waters of the mighty river, not only destroyed and damaged
property, but left in its wake hundreds of homeless men, women and children.

With their homes and worldly belongings swept away or inundated by the
high waters, these poor unfortunates were left to starve or die from exposure,
but with an organization such as the Red Cross which immediately took com-
mand, the sufferers were not only saved but furnished with food, clothes and
shelter.

Had it not been for the noble) services rendered by this Organization,
many lives would have been lost and the survivors would have been subjected
to untold suffering.

Added to the emergency services, your unceasing endeavors to those
suffering from any type of handicaps, and your assistance in adjusting them
to live and to aid them in securing their needs, is a manifestation of true
Americanism!

THE MARYLAND LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
ANNUAL MEETING

Belvedere Hotel, October 24, 1939
Baltimore

AMONG the most important purposes of government, few have more wide-
spread effect than hospitalization, health administration, public welfare
and education. In order to have a proper understanding of what our State
must plan for in the future, it is desirable that we discuss the provisions
already made. A recital of that which we have already made possible through
budgetary appropriations, and bond issues will afford an idea of what remains
to be done.

Although I have consistently stood for the economical administration
of this State's business, a marked increase in State activities in the above-men-
tioned fields is provided for in the budget effective the first day of this month.
By the judicious use of available funds, we made greater provisions in these im-
portant undertakings, while at the same time reducing the over-all operating
expenses of the State Government.

Upon my recommendation, provision has been made greatly to increase the
facilities at State hospitals for the care of the tuberculous and the mentally
ill. Bond issue appropriations were arranged to provide 100 additional beds
at the Henryton Sanatorium for the treatment of colored tuberculous patients;
also funds for 40 more beds at Mt. Wilson Sanatorium to enable tubercular
patients to be treated by lung surgery. These extensions to the Tuberculosis
Sanatoria will cost $183, 000. 00. Increased budget appropriations of $110, 000. 00
also were allowed to maintain the additional patients.

An acute need existed to increase the facilities at Henryton, because
sufficient beds have not been available for colored patients. The tuberculosis
rate in the colored population is much higher than in the white and it is
imperative that colored patients be given the benefits of sanatorium treatment.
With the increased number of beds, our facilities for the care of colored patients
will approach the recognized standard. '