closely they were related to Europe could they picture themselves as
having a direct interest in the war. Then the stock market began to
tumble. The New York Stock Exchange was closed. South America asked
New York for credit and supplies, and neutral Europe, as well as China
in the Far East, looked to the United States to keep the war within
bounds. Uncle Sam became the Atlas of the world and nearly every
belligerent requested this government to take over its diplomatic and
consular interests in enemy countries. Diplomacy, commerce, finance
and shipping suddenly became dependent upon this country. Not only the
belligerents but the neutrals sought the leadership of a nation which
could look after all the interests, except those of purely military and
naval operations. The eyes of the world centred upon Washington.
President Wilson, as the official head of the government, was signalled
out as the one man to help them in their suffering and to listen to
their appeals. The belligerent governments addressed their protests
and their notes to Wilson. Belgium sent a special commission to gain
the President's ear. The peace friends throughout the world, even
those in the belligerent countries, looked to Wilson for guidance and
help.

In August, 1914, Mrs. Woodrow Wilson, the President's wife, was
dangerously ill. I was at the White House every day to report the
developments there for the United Press. On the evening of the 5th of
August Secretary Tumulty called the correspondents and told them that
the President, who was deeply distressed by the war, and who was
suffering personally because of his wife's illness, had written at his
wife's bedside the following message:


"As official head of one of the powers signatory to The Hague