Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-29

Mrs. Oldfield found herself thrust in
to politics almost without warning
She frankly admits that she doesn't
like it.
Only her sense Of duty sent her to
the seat in Congress vacated by her
distinguished husband.
She was nominated without oppoSi-
ton by the members of her party. Re-
publicans in the district met and de-
cided that they would offer no oppose
ton. She had only one opponent, a
man running on the independent ticket.
Without even so much as issuing a
statement in support of her candidacy
she was elected.
1t was a bewildered and rather fright
ened woman who stood before the
Speakers stand last January on the
floor of the House and swore that she
would faithfully discharge her duties
as national legislator.
Neither club work nor social affairs
had played much of q part in Mrs.
Oldfield'S life. To use her own words,
There had been perhaps nothing con-
nected with my life, from public view
point, particularly colorful."
She had kept herself informed con-
corning public affairs. Her husband
had always discussed his legislative
true the three years preceding Mr.
Oldfeld's death. She says:
THE interest 1 have in the public
welfare is due to him. During those
last three years We were constantly to-
gether.
Whether we were motoring on the
golf links or at home, we usually found
time to discuss the things nearest my
husbands heart-the doings Of Con-
gress.
My greeting to him at the close of
each day when Congress was in ses-
sion was, Well, what happened to-
day?' And together we would discuss
the days events.
It always was his first audience when
he was to make a speech. He would
read his manuscript to me carefully
and together we would talk about II
and improve 1t in any way we could
You can readily see that this eXpe-
rience is invaluable to me now"
But Mrs. Oldfield is emphatic in hel
declaration that Congress is no place
for her and that she will retire when
her term has expired.
Unlike many women in public life
she does not entertain essentially femi-
nine views concerning legislation. 1t Is
her firm belief that women should be
measured Gil Iiit DdSlS VI bItt4I dl4cilAA4'
cations and true worth rather than or
the theory that as women they shoulc
be accorded certain privileges.
And the day that looms largest II
her life at present is when She can loci
the door to her office on the fourth
floor of the House Office Building anc
be known again as Mrs. Oldheld, prl
vate citizen.
The eyes Of all visitors to the Hous
of Representatives are attracted to tn
gentleman in the wheel chair.
He is one of the most popular mem
bers of the House. His kindly smile am
merry manner have won for him
place of esteem i'll the hearts OF al
OF his colleagues.
1t is not an uncommon sight to Sc
Joseph jefferson Manstields chair sur
rounded by his friends as hc Sita III hi
regular spot on the floor 10 Inc RICH
Of the Speakers stand. Twelve year
in Congress have made him a taml!la
figure on Capitol Hill.
Representing the famous Gun coaS
district of Texas in the House, M
Mansfield is intensely interested in a
legislation that has to do with river
and harbors. He has made speclalt
of this subject, and his ADVICE Is soUgt