February 13, 1918 - Visit to Stratford-on-Avon and a song about America

Don Martin diary entry for Wednesday, February 13, 1918: 
Visited Shakespeare’s birthplace

Saw the place I have always wanted to see – Shakespeare’s birthplace etc. at Stratford on Avon. Spent two hours in the old house which looks older than I thought. The old lady, Mary Rose, who tells tourists all about it seemed to be determined to convince us that Shakespeare really lived there, although I had taken it for granted. Saw the church where he is buried and everything else to be seen in the beautiful old town. 

William Shakespeare's Birthplace

Bought serving spoon for Mother and a pin for Dorothy. Also addressed about 30 postal cards. Altogether it was the most interesting day I have ever had. Left at 10:30 with Judd Welliver and got back at 11:15 p.m. Went to office for an hour. Then to hotel. Had pleasant weather. Was amused at fact that everyone spotted Judd and me for Americans. Practically no one visits Stratford now with the war on.

Pleasant day.

    In that hour at the office, Don Martin wrote about the increasing appreciation for America following Wilson’s Fourteen Points speech. It was published in the New York Herald on Thursday, February 14, 1918.

‘GOODBY, RUSSIA; HELLO, AMERICA,’ IS LONDON’S SONG

Wilson Address Puts United States in Ascendancy in England

[Special Despatch to the Herald via Commercial Cable Company’s System]

Herald Bureau, No. 130 Fleet Street, London, Wednesday

     America is in the ascendancy throughout England, and following the ringing cheers with which President Wilson’s reply to Count von Hertling and Count Czernin was greeted in the House of Commons yesterday this is America’s day in London.

     “Goodby, Russia, Hello, America,” is being sung by crowds as the people realize now, more than ever before, the existence of democracy and of civilization itself depends upon the power which the United States exerts in the war.

     All London, forgetting the perfidy and treachery of the Russians, is commenting to-day on the splendid demonstration in the House of Commons which greeted the display of America’s spirit, idealism and might as again exemplified in President Wilson’s speech.

     Although Premier Lloyd George said the situation is more menacing than ever, that Germany has built a gigantic railroad system back of its lines to enable it to strike a blow with unprecedented force anywhere, the Allies are prepared, and the Teuton attitude is as impossible to England as to President Wilson.

     Lord Curzon, government leader in the House of Lords, said in a debate to-day that the recent speeches by Count van Hertling and Count Czernin were a collusive performance intended to drive a wedge between the Allies rather than to effect peace.

    “The most critical times that have ever confronted this country are before us,” said Lord Curzon, “but I do not think the position is at all dangerous, and our military advisers do not think it is. At the same time, we will have to put every ounce of effort into the common cause. If we do that I am confidant we will win, and thus save civilization.”

     The German view of Wilson's Fourteen Points is shown by this medal by artist Karl Goetz, which lampoons President Wilson and his peace plan as Moses displaying the ten commandments.

Karl Goetz, America’s Peace Terms, 1918, Copper alloy (cast), Diam. 2-1/4 in., Collection of Dr. Stephen K. and Janie Woo Scher.  "World War I and the Visual Arts"   The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Fall 2017 (link)

       A headline in the New York Herald on February 13, 1918 was:

BRITISH WILL CARRY AIR WAR TO GERMAN CITIES; LONDON BOMBED AGAIN