The Portland daily press., 1888-07-12
MR.. RANpALL's HEALTH.
The Serious Collapse and What
Caused 1t.

WASHINGTON, July 11.-Congressman
Samuel Randalls condition is much inn
proved today.
When Mr.. Randall was first taken he was
thought to be in dangerous condition. At
one time his life was thought to hang by a
thread. He rallied, however. and last night
began to rapidly improve. Monday he ate
heartily at his luncheon of ice cream and
blackberries. Mr.. Randall is the busiest
man in public life, and he swallowed his food
in his usual quick and impetuous fas hion.
This brought on sudden illness which was
followed almost Immediately by he amor
rhage of the lower bowels. Mr.. Randall
was assisted to his bed and Dr. Cole of the
Providence Hospital, was speedily sum-
moned. Yesterday DR.. Mallen, another To-
cal practioneer, was called into the case. DR..
Martin, Mr.. RandalPs Philadelphia physic-
ian, was telegraphed for. He was in Bos-
ton. but will arrive in Washington this at
terno0n.
1t is believed that Mr.. Randall, notwith-
standing the serious nature of mis- illness,
will recover from his present attack II an0th-
er hemorrhage can be avoided. If, however,
another should follow, the chances of his
recovery would be greatly diminished.
Mr.. Randall has been repeatedly urged by
his physician of late to abstain from work
for time, and allow himself a brief season
of rest But like many busy men, he could
gin his vacation. He had promised little
recreation after the adjournment of Con-
greSs, but his system was so weakened by
his excessive labors that exhausted nature
could go no further, and collapse, which his
friends have repeatedly predicted, came on
him, without a moments warning.
There is a pathetic incident connected
with Mr.. Randalps Illness which deserves at
least passing notice. One of Mr.. RandalPs
constituents in Philadelphia, a lady in re-
air ctan haA h
pending before the House. The bill was one
of number that were to be considered at
last Friday nights session. Mr.. Randall
felt that he must be present in the House to
insure its passage. He started for the Cap
itol after dinner, but was compelled by a
sudden faintness, after walking half block,
to return to his house. Mrs. Randall tried
to persuade him to remain indoors for the
remainder of the evening, but he insisted on
making second attempt after resting few
minutes. This time he succeeded, and be-
fore leaving the Capitol he had the satisfac-
tion of seeing his bill passed. The physical
effort necessary to this step undoubtedly
contributed greatly to his sudden breaking
down, Monday night. The act, however,
was characteristic of him. He is man of
iron will and determination, and nothing
but death could turn him from the accom-
plishment Of the purpose upon which his
heart was fixed.
Mr. Randall is SO years of age. He is
physically one Of the best preserved men in
the House. He is tall, broad shouldered and
apparently very muscular. He wears no
beard. His face is stern, and his general ap-
pearance is suggestive of great firmness and
resolution. Should he live until the expira-
tion of his present term, he will have served
26 consecutive years in the House Of Repre-
sentatlves. lie is poorer in purse today than
when he came to Washington, away back in
the Thirty-eghth Congress. He owns the
modest residence in which he lives on Capt.
tol Hill. 1t is worth not to exceed 5000 and
that represents the savings of nearly half
life time.
will be able to resume the discharge of his
duties in Congress during the remainder of
the session. his intention being to 60 to a
quiet place as soon as his condition justifes
removal.