The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1922-11-25
MRS. FELTON,
WATTS ON
SENATE
Georgia's Woman Sen
ator Pressing Her
Claim to Seat in
Senate

washington, NOV. ZU.-1SOISld s
grand old lady" Mrs w. II. Eel
ton, first woman senator, was the
star member of the cast in the
opening scene today Of the con-
vening of congress. Herr effort to
be sworn in and sit for a day was
forced over until tomorrow but in
all other respects she enjoyed a
thrilling debate as the congress
sional curtain was raised. And
there was good prospect tonight
that success would crown her hope
Of taki:.g the oath tomorrow and
becoming the first woman sena-
tor in fact as we'll as name, if only
for day.
The :ghty-seven-year-old wo-
man. a breath of Lavender and
lace from. the OLD South today
was all but an actual senator, oc-
cupying a seat on the senate floor
for hours where she was cheered
by gallery crowds and was the OBJ
ject Of congratulation by senators,
representative and officials who
thrcnged about her in informal re-
ceptions. She was feted also by
crowds alb, ut the senate and was
photographed and dined.
Accompanied by former Senator
aoke Smith, of Georgia. and wear
ing a black bonnet, fur coat and
white gloves she arrived more
than an hour before the noon con-
vening hour. Socn she was "at
home" hanging up her bonnet and
coat in the Democratic cloak room.
She was given a chair alongside
Senator Harris, Democrat. Georgia,
and was the cynosure of all eyes.
Gallery crowds largely compos-
ed of women oyerf1owing into the
halls cheered and applauded the
white haired woman as shortly be-
fore the senate convened, she was
escorted to an .ante-room to- re-
ceive huge bouquet Of eighty
seven red roses.
Clasped in her lap rolled in
brown paper she held her COM
mission. as senator, received two
months ago by appointment upon
the death of Senator Thomas p.
Watson.
All in> the senate paid tribute to
the first woman member. She ~.
received by Vice President Coo
lidge and met nearly all senators,
Republicans and Democrats, as well
rs officials and pages. The sem
ate had to be officially notified Of
the death of a senator before his
successor could be received. And in
accordance with unbroken prece-
dent the senate adjourned irame-
diately out Of respect when in-
formed of the death of Senator
Watson, putting over the reception
of all new senators until tomorrow.
Besides Mrs. FELTON,. awaiting to
he sworn in was her successor.
Walter, F. George. elected Novem-
Der Z, last, and several others.
Sir. George tonight reiterated
that he would adhere to his pro-
gram giving Mrs FELTON, an oppor-
turity to be sworn in and sit for a
day.
Senate leaders said that no OBJ
lection to this program would be
offered, it appeared that Mrs. Fell
ton would be allowed to take the
oath tomorrow and retire on
Wednesday when Mr.. George would
appear officially.
A few senators. however, were
said to be disposed to object to
the program because of the prece-
dent it might set. 1t was reported
that objection from a single SEN
ator would bar Mrs. FELTON, and
probably cause reference of her
commission to the senate privileges
and elections committee, or rul-
ing by the Vice President which
would deny her the senate oath.