South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-11-22
Mrs. FELTON, Takes Oath AS
First Woman u. S. Senator
GeOrgia's Grand Old Lady
Will Probably Occupy Post
Only One Day.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.-(By A.
P.)-Mrs. w. II. FELTON, of Georgia
took the oath Of office Today as
the first woman United States SEN
ator.
It was true that her term prob
ably will only be for day, but the
ceremony crowned with success the
efforts the S7-year-Old woman has
made to "blaze the path for Ameri-
can womanhood" in the senate, and
II was indicated that she would be
content 10 step aside tomorrow in
favor Of Walter +. George, who was
elected Nov. Z as her successor to
fill the unexpired term OF the late
Sen Watson II was to the vacancy
caused by his death that Mrs. Eel
ton was appointed last September
to serve until the November cleo
tons
The seating OF Mrs. FELTON, attract
ed a crowd to the senate which
rivaled that which had greeted
Pres't Harding a short time before
at the house. where he addressed
congress in joint session. And she
was at once showered with cOngratu-
lations upon the signal honor.
Oath Administered.
When she was directed to proceed
10 the rostrum for the administer
ing OF the oath Of office. her face
broke into a smile On the arm Of
Sen. Harris Of Georgia and lifting
her gown daintily she walked down
the center aisle and up 10 the vice
presidents desk where Sen. Cum
Minis OF Iowa. president protein
pore, was presiding in the absence
from the city OF Vice-Pres't Coolidge.
As Sen Cummins motiOned for
her TO raise her right hand, she
exhibited her only sign of unfamu-
iarity with the proceedings, waving
her hand TO Mr.. Cummins and smil-
ing "a If receiving a similar salute.
Sen. Harris nudged her arm, how
ever and she then raised il. gaz-
ing intently at Sen. Cummns as the
oath was delivered and giving her
response in a low voice.
Seating Delayed.
The seating Of Mrs FELTON, had
been expected, in view Of the tacit
agreement of senate leaders 20 in
terpose no objections in the face OF
possible technical precedents as TO
her status after the election on Nov.
7 of her successor. But for time
it appeared as though such Objec-
ton might be offered and definite
assurance that the oath would be
administered was not reached until
after a delay OF two hours. In fact,
il was not until after Pres't Hard
ing had delivered his address 70 the
Joint session that Mrs. FELTON, was
given her seat.
The principal delay was due 20 an
address OF Sen. Walsh. Democrat,
OF Montana in support OF her claim
TO the senate seat. This address.
which was not on the program OF
the leaders, went into the prece-
dents involved in the proposed course
and at first gave the impression that
the Montana senator was opposing
Mrs.. Felton's claim. But later Mr.
waIsz swung into strong support
OF her position, declaring that her
title was clear and that granting
Il should not be considered a favor
or a chivalrous act.
But at no time did Mrs FELTON,
exhibit nervousness, sitting with
hands folded in her lap and with
eyes on the Montana senator. She
arrived half an hour before the sen
ate convened and took the seat OF
the late sen. Watson, after giving
her wraps 10 a senate page and see
ing that they were hung in the
Democratic cloak room
Hears HArding's Address.
The address OF Sen. Walsh was
LC-ALn-.-a