May 10, 1918 - Don Martin gets good story of American achievements in France

Don Martin dairy entry for Friday, May 10, 1918: 

Went out with Percy Noel [Chicago Daily News]. First to Boucq, then Nancy for luncheon and then Toul aviation field. Saw Gen. [Clarence Ransom] Edwards [Commander 26th Division] near Toul making a test with high explosives to break through wire. 

General Claraence R. Edwards in 1917
(by Bain, Library of Congress}

At aviation field had quite a visit with Gude, [Douglas] Campbell and Taylor, all fine fliers who some day “won’t come back.”

Some sunshine but rain also.

      Don Martin wrote about the 'magnitude of the work already done' by Americans in France. Dated Friday, May 10, it was published in the New York Herald on Saturday, May 11, 1918.

AMERICAN ARMY’S ACHIEVEMENTS IN FRANCE AMAZE AND DELIGHT CIVILIAN CALLERS FROM HOME

Their Estimates of Number Ready to Fight 
Range from 50,000 to 500,000

RAILROAD SYSTEMS NEAR COMPLETION

Judge Wadhams, of New York, 
Enthusiastic After Trip to the Front

By DON MARTIN

[Special cable to the Herald]

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN FRANCE, Friday

           The trips of prominent Americans along the lines of communications and also to the American sectors are opening their eyes to the magnitude of the work already done by America. Gigantic railroad systems are nearing completion, linking the seacoast with the American front.

         Amusing and various are the stories from the American travellers regarding the number of American troops in France ready to fight. The estimates of these amateur sources range from fifty to five hundred thousand. Those who know of course refuse to tell, but it is perfectly safe to say to the American reader that the travellers from home marvel at what they see. No one expects Uncle Sam to put a million men in the front line this summer, but the number already there and the activity everywhere in France with the huge machine which America already has got into operation spell gloom for the Huns.

           From statements made to me by prisoners recently captured these facts are realized fully by the Germans, who are losing heart.

Work Heartens French

            The attitude of the French is the warmest possible. If there ever was any other feeling it has entirely gone since the people realize that America offers everything to General Foch and is ready to give its best and all to the cause of the Allies. In a trip through more than a hundred villages I saw the children stand at attention as the Americans pass, salute and shout “Vive Americaine!”

           The jubilation of the French since they have begun everywhere to see American soldiers and also to know that they are in the big battle line is remarkable, but not excelling the jubilation of the American travellers when they see the marvels already achieved by Uncle Sam.   

           Just as an instance, many thousands of Americans are engaged in forestry in France, cutting, hauling and so forth. Singularly enough, the best timber if coming from forests planted by Napoleon.

           The engineers are driving double track railroads through the forests, swamps and fields so fast as to amaze every one. The hugeness of the preparation, coupled with the accomplishments to date, provide splendid stories for American travellers to take back.

Judge Wadhams Enthusiastic

           I saw Judge Wadhams, [Court of General Sessions, New York City] to-day. He has inspected the various fronts and was proud of what he saw. He was the first civilian caller in Rheims after the big shelling, was under fire three times and got a taste of gas, too. He was accompanied by Hamilton Holt, and both were enthusiastic over what they saw.

           “America has done wonders,” Judge Wadhams said. “The people at home can well be proud. I have a little realization of the stupendousness of the undertaking and the achievement and am satisfied we will have an important part in the decisive battles before long. Any one criticising America’s war work shows utter ignorance of things here.

           “The spirit of the soldiers is magnificent. All want to fight and all are welcoming any suggestion that more troops be despatched to Picardy. Despite all that it has done, America must keep pouring men here, for the quicker they arrive the quicker will be the end of the war, every one realizes.”

      Judge Wadhams worked to provide care for families of soldiers who died. Hamilton Holt was editor and publisher of The Independent in New York; first Executive Director of the endowment fund of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, established to support individuals and groups working to advance the cause of international peace; and President of Rollins College (1925-1949).