and financial equities have increased value." And for nearly ten years
the stock market booms followed in the wake of that war boom, while
construction and upbuilding went steadily forward despite agitation and
restricting laws.

It would astonish Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bryan to know how many patriotic
Americans are helping France and what they are doing in Red Cross and
other work. I was surprised to meet a former member of the New York
Stock Exchange in a khaki uniform. I said, "Are you still an American
citizen?" He responded promptly, "Certainly I am, but would not the
boys on the floor of the Exchange be astonished to see me in this
uniform?"

I said, "Were there not men enough here to do this work?"

He responded, "Possibly, but quick organization was wanted, and I
volunteered and have held the job." And he was off in his high-powered
automobile for a run down behind the firing line to one of the Channel
ports.

As the casualties of the French have been ten times those of the
English, American and English sympathizers have turned to France to see
if they might "do something." An English lady with small feet and
delicate hands responded to the spirit of the hour, left her English
home and her servants, and went to the hospital front in France. She
wrote home: "I am helping not only to dress the wounds, but to wash
dishes. My soft hands are parboiled but hardening; my feet are sore;
and my legs are swollen. I lie down thoroughly exhausted every night,
but I am doing something and am happy."