West Virginia argus. [volume] (Kingwood, W. Va.) 1877-1946, 1882-01-27
THE PAST.

EdtCOT argus
In my last a brief reference was made
to some Of the distinguished men of the
last generation. This period eeen.s to
have slven birth to more men distinguish
ed for their patriotism, chivalry and tai
ent than auy other since that of the Rev
o%lution. Take, for example, John Ran.
dolph, of Virginia, noted for his high &C
complishmen MIS- as a gentleman, kindness
OF heart aud ready wit. In passing along
the street there was no bow or mark of
respect made to him by any human being,
black or white, but was gracefully recog-
ognized and Acknowledged; yet he well
knew nov to throw pack anything coarse
or unb9cOmlug that psliteness he himself
so steadily observed; On one occasion
when in Congress he made a motion in
which he supposed the whole house would
concur, observing that If any gentleman
would object he would withdraw it. A
young member rose, and in a harsh voice
and dictatorial manner said he objected,
end took his scat, assigning no reason for
his objection. Randolph called for the
question. The young man rose and said
he hoped the gentlemen from Virginia
would redeem his promise. Randolph
pleasantly remarked that he had promised
that il any gentleman objected he would
Withdraw his proposition, but as no such
objection had been made he called for the
question, and the resolution was adopted
with a single mo" Another instance Of
his ready repsrtee 10 given when meeting
10 a narrow passway q we'll dressed upstart,
who kept the track, remarked, ~ never
gi7o the way to a blackguard." Randolph,
as he stepped aside, said, 81 always do,
SIR In the unfortunate duel fought be-
tween him and Dir. Clay, at the word Mr..
Clay Gred but missed his mark. Ran
dolph reserved his FIRE, pointing his pistol
in the air, remarked, Il don't shoot at
you, Mr.. Clay The noble and manly
heart Of Mr. Clay was 30 touched that he
ran to Mr.. Randolph and seized hls out.
stretched hand. Gentlemanly apologies
we're made, and they we're fast friends
} ever thereafter. Randolph By his will
freed all his slaves, bought them lands.
gave them bali bis fortune, and sent
them to Ohio. lie was eccentric, but A
noble man.
John Quincy Adams, however, vas the
most remarkable man of his day. He
was born In Massachusetts, on the nth Of
July, 1867, and died at Washington on the
2}d Of February, 1913 lie went with bis
father when but ten years old to Paris AZ
Private Secretary, and when but fifteen
bo went 90 Private Secretary 10 our Min
iater 70 Russia. On his return he finished
his education and went into public life.
and was retained To the public service a.
Minister 20 Foreign Courts, Secretary Of
State, President Of the United States and
member Of Congress 20 the hour OF his
death. lie was a true-hearted and polish.
cd gentleman, and a business man.
The election OF Dir. Polk and tbe vain.
able results Of bic Administration 60 die
couraged and demoralized the good old
Wing Party that they dropped the name
and organized under tho name Of the Re
publican Party, which brought Co their
aid the Free soilers, enabling them 10 elect
General Taylor ia l8l0. This walked
zap The Democrats and they, 10 1858. rail-
lied on Franklin Pierce and elected him
By The unprecedented majority Of DOG
electoral votes 70 az given General Scott
Duiing the Administration of Mr.
Pierce The Republican Party received