New-York tribune., 1920-12-12
Lady Rhondda Upsets Tradition
BY Her Plea for Seat in Lords
Her Own Right, Eagerly Awaits the Verdict ON
Her Petition to the King for Place in Assembly

rcctorshlp OF his shipping and coal in-
terests. In the previous year sne her
self had been to the United States and
had returned on the Lusitania. When
that ship was torpedoed, she was un-
able Cor unwilling) to enter boat, and,
as he was swept off the starboard deck
by one Of the waves which were be-
ginning to break over the sinking
liner, she managed to grasp a small
she was picked up, unconscious, by the
steamer Bluebell y
Early in 1913 she was made president of
the Women's Industrial League, form ed
for the purpose Of considering the
position of women In industry, and in
this position she worked for equal edu-
catlonal and training facilities for men
and women, and even recommended that
women workers join trade unions.
Later IN the year she was appointed
chief controller of womcn's recruiting
Tor the army. At this particular time
she was, moreover, a director in twen-
ty-seven companies.
Just what is the object Of your pe-
titlon :" Lady Rhondda was asked to-
oay' nave you any definite program
or legislation which you wish TO intro
duce in the House of Lords ?"
III do not share the opinion Of those
who regard the House of Lords as a
mere fgurehead," she replied. "To me
1T is an integral part of the government.
nave no definite program at the mo-
ment, except that feel very keenly on
the irish question. l am absolutely on
posed to the present course of the gov
eminent IN ireland, and, should be-
come member of the House of Lords
| should use all my influence to allow
ireland some form of self-determina-
ton. --''''"-
No Party Afiliation
my, party affiliation1 have none.
think THAT membership in a political
party binds ono and prevents freedom
81 should also interest myself in AGO.
nomlc and social legislation, but At
definite program" 1
There Is no previous we'll authenH-
Gated case of demand by a woman for
admission to the House Of Lords Ther.
Is tradition that two LADY, Abhessas
were summoned to the first Parliomsnt
held in England, but 1t is unknown ;f
they ever took their seats. Later on n
MAUD Countess of Norfolk received
from Henry III the title Of Marshal
OF england: She appointed as her
Deputy her law, Lady Alicia
olgoo, VINO sent two proxies (but both
were men) to sit In the Parliament Of
Edward I. "
Lady Rhondda is the twenty-sixth
woman to hold peerage in her own
right; and, should she be successful
IN her petition, it would mean that
the way would be opened for twenty of
the peeresses, who survive, also to take
their seats in the House Of Lords.
Among these are a duchess, two count
esses, two viscountesses and numerous
baronesses.
So far as is known, only Ave Of
the present peeresses in their own
right have divulged their views on
the subject Of their possible admis-
sion to the Upper House. Three of
these-the Duchess Of Norfolk and the
baronesses of Dorchester and Went
worth-have stated that, should Lady
Rhondda be called to the House Of
Lords they would seek to follow n
similar course.
The latest news concerning Iadv
Rhondda's petition is that it has been
passed from the legal advisers. to
whom the Home Secretary submitted
1T, to the Committee on Privileges of
the House of Lords, so that it now
has assumed the status of consti.
tutional question. There is under.
stood to be some difference Of opinion
among the peers as to whether the
Sex Disqualification bill, which was
passed last year, debars q woman from
sitting in their assembly. -
Meanwhile, Lady Rhondda's motto
seems to be simply Business as
usual"