250 State Papers and Addresses

On the basis, therefore, of definite, worthwhile achievements by the
Democratic Party in both national and international policies, and in the face
of the drastic threat to our national security and well-being, there can be but
one issue before the people of the United States on November 5th, and but
one reasonable answer.

The issue boils down simply to this: Which Party, which leader, on the
basis of past performances, can more surely and more safely guide our Country
through whatever lies ahead? To answer that question compare 1932 with
1940.

Democracy is facing the test as to whether it can withstand the attack
of the dictators, who would extinguish it. Civilization itself is at the turning
point. At such a time it is not safe to experiment with a leader, competent
though he may be, who has never had a day's experience in handling foreign
affairs. It is prudent, it is common sense to retain the man who at the
critical time is at the helm and showing his ability to meet emergencies.
Subordinating all lesser issues, the one vitally important consideration demands
that America insure its future by re-electing Franklin D. Roosevelt.

4

WOMEN'S AUXILIARY BOARD, UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
HOSPITAL LUNCHEON, BELVEDERE HOTEL

October 22, 1940
Baltimore

AN emerging social consciousness can often be expressed in the concern of
a community for the care it exercises in the preservation of the public
health, and its solicitude for the physically and mentally handicapped. Indeed,
it is not too much to say that support of these activities which minister to the
cultural and health needs of a community form part of the criteria for the
advance of civilization. The collective concern of the people is expressed
through the activities of their government, whose responsibility it is to foster
and support those things which make for a more cultured and healthier people.

In fact, next to protection of persons and property, the two most important
functions of government are public health and public education. For this
reason, I have been particularly interested in the State agencies administering
these functions, and at all times they have had my full and complete support.
Today I want to review for you a few of the accomplishments in the field of
public health.

In this connection, you might consider the broad program, including not
only the work of the State Health Department, but also the care of the
mentally ill, the feeble-minded, the tubercular, the chronically ill in the alms-
houses in the counties, and those indigent sick in homes who cannot provide
for themselves adequate medical and nursing care.

Constant and increasing facilities must be provided for the mentally ill.
The records show that the number of such patients increase by 300 per year
(200 white people and 100 colored). The cost of hospital construction is about
$1, 200 per bed and of maintenance $250 per patient per year, so that adequate