The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-04-23
ALL INTEREST," LOST
 IN SUFFRAGE WHEN
 LADY ASTOR SPED
Introduced by Mrs. Catt as Best Known Woman in World, Whom Every
 body Loves
By Associated Press

Baltimore, April 22.-Almost all the young ladies and the older ladies att tending the Pan-American conference of women seemed to quit listening att tentively to the speakers as soon as Lady Astor appeared on the platform this afternoon, less than 10 minutes after she had stepped off a train from New York.
 This vivacious Virginia girl, who became the first woman member of the House of Commons had hardly taken her seat when she began mak- ing short comments of approval on the statements Of Mrs. Carrie Chap man Catt, the suffrage leader, who was then addressing the delegates.
 Hear, hear" or that's right,~ Lady Astor would say from time to time, and nearly everyone appeared to be interested more In her re- marks than in those of the speaker.
 Finally after two South American delegates had spoken. Mrs. Catt pounded the table and said, Lady As- tor. I've presided over many a meet ing but l never had so much trouble in my life as I have had since you came in this room. None of these reporters are interested in woman suffrage, but only in you. So, we'll have to let you talk now, and then you can leave and give the reporters their interviews, and I want every body else to stay in their chairs"
 Worlds Best Known Woman
 She formally introduced Lady Astor as the best known woman in all the world today, and one whom everybody loves that knows her"
 1T m here bncaftqa fha xuopner have the vote." said Lady Astor.
 Think what disaster to the world If I had been hidden in a two-room cottage instead of the House of Com mons" she added. with a laugh of mockery.
 My accomplishments are entirely due to the work the women did. It ls through the labors of those who have gone before that I cAn now carry on my work for the reconstruction of the world. Why, I tell the women of England. I sometimes almost feel 1t a shame for me to be representing them in the House of Commons You see. Lady Astor didn't have to smash windows and go to jail for suffrage. That was done by others and we younger ones who are enjoying the fruits ought always to be thankful for them.
 During the great suffrage move ment 1 was busy populating the world she explained, referring to her six children.
 T understand some of these South American delegates are not suffra- gists," she said. Well, what are they here for? I'm sure they'll go back home as suffragists."
 Mrs. Catt had just remarked that South America, "a Catholic land, is the only continent where woman has not achieved suffrage"
 "The Catholic suffrage women In England have a. time of it," said Lady Astor. T can't for the life Of me see what having the vote has to do with religion. Why, I think the creed that all men and women are equal Is the saving grace of living"
 T have been quoted as saying that I didn't think much of the Washing ton conference.
 Beginning of Civilization
 Think much of the Washington conferenceg' she repeated empnati- caily. Why, I think it was the be- ginning of civilization. The whole world IS looking to Washington, and the whole world is going to keep on looking to Washington. think the whole world ought to be grateful to President Harding. to Secretary Hughes and the administration
 Then Lady Astor went to the press room to see the correspondents. Im- mediately about 800 women posed as reporters and eircled around her with several score of newspaper represen- tatlves at the conference.
 "Is that your House of Commons dress?" a girl said to Lady Astor.
 Lord no, child; this Is the best dress I've got" she replied.
 When are you going to Washing ton to see the Presidentr'
 Why I thought the President was coming here to the conference. He ought to-" said Lady Astor. We are scheduled to go to Washington next Friday"
 When the interview ended she was taken to the home of MT and Mrs John ". Garrett. whose guest she will be while in Baltimore. Monday Lady Astor Is to take part in the confer ence Tuesday she will go to New York to address the annual luncheon of The Associated Press, returning immediately to Baltimore to make s speech here Tuesday night