The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-11-22
PATH FOR WOMEN.
IN SENATE BLAZED.
BY MRS. F Il I D N
Grand Old Lady of Georgia.
Takes Oath and Sits in
Highest LegiSla-
tive Body

W. II. FELTON, of Georgia took the
oath OF office today as the first
woman United states senator
1t was true that her term prob
ably Will be only for a day but the
ceremony crowned with success the
efforts the S7-year-old lady had made
to blaze the path for American
womanhood" in the Senate, and it
was indicated chat She would be con-
tent 10 step aside tomorrow in IA
Nor OF Walter f. George, who was
elected November Z as her successor
to fill the unexpired term of the late
Senator Watson. 1t was to the va
caney caused by his death that Mrs.
FELTON, was appointed last September
To serve until the November election.
election.
The seating Of Mrs. FELTON, at
tracted crowd to the Senate which
rlvaled that which had greeted
President Harding short time be-
fore at the House where he addressed
Congress In joint session. And she
was a once showered with congratu-
latlons
When she was directed to proceed
TO the rostrum for the administration
or the oath OF office, her face broke
Into a smile. On the arm of Sena-
tor Harris OF Georgia. and lifting
her gown dalntily, she walked down
the center aisle and to the vice presi-
dents desk where Senator Cummins
of Iowa, president tempore, was prs-
siding.
Takes official Oath
As Senator Cummins motioned for
her to raise her right hand she ex-
hlbited her only sign of unfamliarity
with the proceedings, waved her hand
TO MIR. Cummins and smiling as IL re-
eeiving a similar salute. Senator
Harris nudged her arm. however,
and she then raised 1t, gazing intent
~ az Senator Cummlns as the oath
was delivered and giving her re-
Spouse in a low voice.
The seating OF Mrs FELTON, had
been expected in view OF the tacit
agreement OF Senate leaders TO inter-
pose no objection in the face of pos
sblc technical precedents as to her
status after the election on Novem-
her z or her successor. But for a
time today il appeared as though
such objection might be offered ana
definite assurance that the oath
would be administered was not
reached until delay OF two hours.
The principal delay was due to
an address of Senator Walsh, demo-
crst Montana. in support OF her
claim. This address, which was not
on the program went into the prece-
dents involved and at first gave the
Impression that the Montana senator
was opposing Mrs Felton's claims.
But later Mr. Walsh swung into
stron gsupport OF her position, de-
claring that her title was clear and
that granting it should not be con-
sldered a favor or A chivalrous act.
At no time did Mrs. FELTON, ex-
hibit nervousness, sitting with her
hands folded and with her eyes on
the Montana senator. She arrived a
half hour before the Senate convened
and took the seat of the late Senator
watson after seeing that her wraps
were hung in the democratic cloak
room
Henrs Presidents Message
The address OF Senator Walsh was
broken by the joint session for the
Presidents message and Mrs FELTON,
attended, occupying a seat in the
House chamber between Senator
Harris and Senator elect George. She
then returned to the Senate when
Senator Walsh concluded his argu-
ment and she was sworn in. After
receiving the oath she returned to
her seat and watched the routine
proceedings until the Senate ad-
journed.
Before going to the Capitol today
Mrs. FELTON, went to the White House
and paid her respects to President
Harding. She Is expected to be in
her seat in the senate tomorrow, but
it is understood thar senator-elect
George win present his claim to the
seat after Mrs Felton has Answered
one roll call and perhaps delivered
a brief address Then it Is ander-
stood she will retire without OBJ
lection in favor OF Mr.. George, whose
delay in presenting his election Gre
dentials made possible the seating of
the first woman senator.