Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1843-08-08
JOHN RANDOLPH

Mr.. Randolph, in Congress, was an
able debater, but had little influence asa
legislator. He capiivated and held in
delight all who happened 10 come in hear
ing; but no one ever seemed to think
much Of the cogency of his reasoning
He was never at a loss for subject or
words, but The matter was scattered over
a great field. On one occasion, when
he undertook 10 show 10 the old Repub>
lican or Jefferson party, who had aecus.
ed him OF having deserted their standard.
that they had abandoned their principles
he spoke four days successfully. His
appearance en- the occasion was the odd.
est that can be conceived.
The first thing he did on obtaining
the floor after the speaker had responded
to his claim 10 it by saying "The gen.
tleman from Virginia, ,''-the customary
saluiation TO all speskers,-wss, very
deliberately and very cooIIy-prOYokiuR-
ly sO-to strip of bis OVeI coat, 10 Law
aside his hat and whip, and then transfer
the bandana, which had previously adorn.
ed his throat, 10 his head. Even after
he had thus tied up his head, and mado
other arrangements for seven or eight
hours speech, he would stand perfectly
motionIess, looking at the Speaker as il
he was waiting TO have something more
said 10 him before he began. 10 this way
he was wOnllo take in many 4 chairman
Of The whole, and who have had ths.R
knuckIes we'll raped by him for interfer-
ing with his honor on such occasions,
much to the amusement ofa crowded au.
ditOrV. On similar occasion, and on a
stormy day, he held an umbrella, instead
ofthe everlasting whip, in one hand, aud
in the other an orange. On obtaining
the floor, while expectation was on tip.
toe TO hear the exordum, which was gen.
orally spicy and amusing, he eOoIly be-
gan to suck his orange, without regard
10 the feelings Of the members. Who.
ever the chairman of the Committee Of
the Whole was, seeing the House impa-
tient, he reiterated "the gentleman from
Virginia" All the reply or satisfaction
be got was the sententioHs 81 know il.
sir!' and then he went on 10 suck his
orange, while the whole house laughed
ct the rebuke. As soon as it suited his
convenience to begin the whole attitude
and manner were inimilably fine. His
hair was cOmbed back. aud separated in
front, something like the fashion With o.
which women part theirs on their FORE
head; the bandana was around his neck,
and the surtout on. In his left hand he
held the umbrella, in the other his orange
Throwing forward his head, little turn
ed 90 one side, three fingers Of one hand
gFasping the orange, the other pointing
TO the Chair, he commenced: 81 remem.
Der, sir, about fourteen years since
yes sir, about fourteen years since
that the gentlemen from South Carolina,
(Mr. Hager 1--WE were both then mem.
bers of this House set popularity trap.
Yes, sir, popularity trap, which he bait>
ed with brorn sugar and lGsses-(a tar.
iff pFojecL L-but it caught nothing, sir!--
not that ever heard off, He then pass
ed off in an attack upon New England,
Mr.. Clay and the other prominent meme
bers generally, in his usual style Of invec-
tive, at times amusing, scOrching, and Oc'
easlonslIy instructing his liStners.- Boy
State Dem.