Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1880-07-27
Speaker Randall at Home.
Washington Republican.

Washington Republican.
Mr.. Randall's house was bought about
eight years ago, before he could have had
any idea of the distinction that awaited him.
During his long residence here, as member
of Congress, he had boarded in hotels; but,
determined to change his mode of life in
certain respects for the better, he sought the
seclusion of Capitol Hill, which was not only
convenient to the capitol, but favorable in
other respects to the change he desired to
make.
The house in respects is snug and COM
Portable for a small family, with every con-
venience necessary for peaceful, retired
life. Although Mr.. Randa]l's lasts are sim
ple. it is from other considerations that he
lives in small house and in modest man
ner. It is not generally from choice but
from necessity that people live cheaply and
economically. The most of US would live in
big house. surrounded by every luxury, if
we could afford it, and no doubt it is the
case with Speaker Randall.
Mr.. Randall's habits and daily life are
very simple. He is great worker, and
probably no man in either house of Con
gress works as many hours dey as he.
He takes great care of himself, eats moder-
ately and simple, uses no wines or liquors,
retires early, sleeps long and enjoys as 9
consequence perfect health. Mr.. Randall
goes little into society, and he entertains
very little at home in consequence of his
small house and limited means. He
generally has two or three receptions during
the winter, and to these he invites certain
number of congressman, diplomats and
other officials for one night and different
set for the next, until the list is exhausted
Mrs. Randall has her reception days every
week, and is assisted by her daughter Anna,
well balanced, accomplished girl, who has
become q great favorite in society. Ths
speaker is not what may be called book
ish man. He is man of affairs, rather
than books. But no man in Congress
keeps q closer watch on its business. HI
masters every question that comes up, and
when he became chairman OF the appro
priation committee he surprised every
body with his familiarity with the business
He has few books in his house, but when {
great question comes up he goes to the Con-
gressional library and has great pile ot
books sent to his home, which he studies un
til he knows all about the subject.
Every hour in the day is occupied ant
his correspondence is enormous. III
writes most of his letters himself, and al
though he keeps secretary he is still the
busiest man about the capitol. Th'
speaker seems to prefer little room tx
work in. His work-room in his house il
small and cramped, and in the capitol b
has the funniest little box down Stair
which you could never find. When he il
in this box nobody is supposed to know
where he is. He goes there to work
! and he never leaves it two minutes
before the hour for calling the house te
order. Many no doubt suppose thai
the gilded, heavy, gaudy apartmen
called the s'Speaker's room,'' in the rear o
the speakers lobby is where b
does his work. Nothing Of the sort. Th
speaker never goes into that room except b
accident. 1t is his only in name, but tn
little room about the size of squirrel
cage, is his sure enough, and in it he work
| like souirrel-if a squirrel does work.