The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-08-18
LONDON AMERICANS REJOICE OVER THE
 MARINE VICTORY
Ry LADY MARY

London, August 3.--(Special Corres- standardization is city that is 6i- vided into various settlements given over to different nationalities who may nowadays be counted among our allies. Scho is the French quarter. and a narrow line-sometimes almost in- visible-separates it from Little Italy" America, with one accord as far as popular settlement is concerned is to be found in Bloomsbury, that fine old-fashioned quarter of West Central London, situated on the northside of Oxfcrd street. I am particularizing this quarter this week for the simple reason that during the past few days it has been the scene of more general gaiety and enjoyment than war-worn London has seen for at least three years
 On the night that the first news of the Franco-American advance along the Marne came through, Bloomsbury broke loose, and the most amazing demonstrations took place in and around about Russell Square. which is the hub of the universe as far as Bloomsbury is concerned. Young sol diers seemed to spring out from eevry doorway; the hotels disgorged masses of them. and they took possession of everybody and everything in a happy light hearted way that was vastly to the liking of the decided minority of British subjects in the locality. I hap pened to be paying call in Russell Square on this particular and glorious evening and was, therefore, a witness to some of the thrilling and amusing scenes. A party of "Sammies" and "Jackies" commandeered a piano organ in CharCc of fo1 nd xvif and collection was taken up in shil- lings and six pences in the crowd that gathered around. I should think that the couple must have made at least s15 in as many minutes.
 Then the soldiers and sailors took turns in turning the handle while in space for the purpose the rest of them danced one-steps and fox trots to the joy of everybody concerned. At first there was a great dearth of feminine partners and army and navy danced with each other, but presently the news spread abroad of the doings in the square and women appeared in large numbers, even the Italian organ "grinderess" having her full share of attention from the boys in blue or khaki. It really was great fun, and the policemen looked on with sympa- thy that was surprising under the present strict laws concerning crowds in public streets and the lighting reg ulations. For as night drew in scarce ly window in Bloomsbury was shaded and the amazing spectacle of bright lights streaming out over crowded pavements gave an impression of peace time joyousness that London has not known for many moons.
 With all this great United States element full of the freshness and novelty and excitement of the war, London seems to have imbibed a particularly exhilarat- ing cocktail that makes one wonder what will happen when the peace banquet ;s served. When I came from New Yorl' some weeks ago my impression of Lon don was that of quiet and bore resig nation. People were just going doggedv along hoping for the best, but now. some how, fresh blood seems to have been instilled into us and things are at bub- bling point. I suppose it is the over wheiming spirit of the new nation not yet worn with war and it is . Stimulant that is doing us all lot of good.
 And this in the face, of the most ap-