New-York tribune., 1919-12-02
House Acclai1n,s
Lady Astor as
She Takes Seat
Smile Wins Approval Of
English Legislators in
Formal Ceremony; Casts
First Vote on Bond Bill
New York Tribune

hu,opcn, Bnrc0.
(Copvright. 1910 New York Tribune Inc
LONDON Dec. Nancy Astor be
came a member Of Parliament late this
afternoon. Dressed in Il plain black
tailored suit.'with just touch Of white
at the collar. the former Virginia
beauty, now Niscountess Astor, entered
the House of Commons, escorted by
Premier Lloyd George and Arthur Bal
four, and took her seat on the govern
ment benchcs the first woman member
IN history. The ceremony was brief,
but Lady Astor's triumph was COM
plete.
A duh, fogey, typical London day did
no detract from the occasion. Govern
ment and opposition benches. the vis-
tors gallery, the peers gallery. the
press galicly-every place in the
cramped room was filled The House
of Commons has not seen such an as
sembly since the stirring days of 1911.
Distinguished persons from many ma
tons were present. many having come
direct from the informal reception TO
the Prince OF Wales, who arrived home
from America to-day
Just before 4 o'clock the Sneaker an
nounced in quiet voice that any mem
bcrs desiring to take their seats might
come forward. The House understood
What the words meant. All eyes Lab
eral. Unionist and Labor turned tow
ard the little door opposite the chair.
Lady Astor, taking the arm of both the
Prime Mn stor and the rormor Prime
Minister. stepped INTO tho room She
was slightly pale but her face APP
poarcd whittier 5haN t really was be-
cause Of her black costume. There was
no trace Of Nervousness.
A low hum Of applause, after the an
proved manner of the House of Com
mons. arose from all sides Of the room.
and repeated cries of clear hear"
were heard as the three approached the
table before the Speakers chair The
House seemed cXpectant. 1t happened.
Lady Astor smiled, and TIE day was
woN for her; she had the House at her
feet. party lines and bittcr invective
which an hour before were the order Of
the House, were completely forgotten.
Eng and and Eng lands government was
absorbed in interest Of the American
girl
The clerk gave her an engraved copy
Of the Rules Of Order, and on a small
Bible she took the oath of Office in a
low whisper. Then she turned aNG
flashed her smile aloNg the Trcasu. y
hench, where The Beau Blummel Of
the present government Austen Cham
bcrlain took it as personal tribnto
and rose to Wlsoer in her car. But
the clerk would permit no further shat
toring Of precedent. and Lady Astor
was usncred past tie Treasury bench
climbed on 'ootstool and shook
borlc oooOrJaucn with toNno,o,,c
custom.
Then for the first time the members
had good view of their new fellow
member. She stool smiling and talk
ing in the lowest Of tones to the
Speaker, while the rumble of "IIear,
hear grew louder and louder Sud
denly, and scarcely before any one was
aware of her intention, she stepped
lightly down from the Speakers chair
and was gone gone out Of the Ntt,e
green door behind the rostrum, with u
single attendant. to find her private re
firing room, and lef. the House 10
continue its consideration of the day
business.
It was a triumph as great as any
Lady Astor could have anticipated. yet
it was over nearly as soon as it had
begun. The House didn't rise to its
feet. as it once did for the Prime Min
lister Austen Chamber'sin, gallant
with houtonnier and eyeglass, did not
remove his shiny tonhat when he
spoke to the new member.
LONDON Dec. l BY The Associated
Press).- Lady Astor recorded her first
vote in the House Of Commons agalns'
premium bonds
Returmne into the House rom a
visit TO the lobby at 10 o'clock this
evening. Lady Astor was emba ssed
IS to how to reach her seat without
violating the rule forbiddinp member
% pass IN from Of q sneaker. Finally
she took 4 sea. under the side gallery
and assumed nonchalant attitude. Aer
hands thrust in her coat pockets, 20 the
evident amusement OF the other mela-
bers.
Rousing herself later she listened
atten,iVely 70 Andrew Bonar Law. who,
like Mr.. Chamberlain. opposed the pre-
MUM bond measure. In the lobby gossip
she already had been christened the
Angel in the House" and she laughed
heartily with the rest OF the members
when Mr.. Bonar Law referred to her
US being con the side of the angels