Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1890-01-24

the night of July 10. For several weeks
following this his case was very critical,
and was further imperiled on election
day by his exposure in going to the polls
to cast his vote for Cleveland.
Mr.. Randall's political work will best
be remembered by his position on the
tariff. He was the leader of the con-
servative element of his party on this
issue, and about two months before he
was stricken down in 1888 made his
great speech on that question and one
that marks his tariff record.
Mr.. Randall, as speaker of the house,
ruled with heavy hand. An incident
of his canvass for the speakership shows
the character of the man, character
that distinguished all his public career.
a railway magnate said to him: "Mr.
Randall, you want to be speaker. 1t is
in my power to elect whom | please,
and you know it. Allow me to name
majority of the Pacific railroad com
mittee and you shall be the man. VIII
you do it,
mo"
"Is that your last word?'
yes"
"Then you will not be speaker"
But he was, all the same.
Mr.. Randall began public life at an
early age. He was born in Philadelphia
in 1923 and received academic and mer-
camille training. He was at the conven-
ton that nominated Buchanan. and was
,.t nd
ward state senator. As a member Of the
famous Philadelphia CITY Troop" he
volunteered for a campaign in 1861, and
was elected to the Thirty y-eighth congress,
taking his seat in 1853. From that time
forward he represented the only Demo-
cratic district in Philadelphia; one, too,
that gave Republican presidential candi-
dates a majority
The principal workshop of the ex-
speaker was at his home on G street,
Washington. His Offices were filed with
documents and papers, with but few
books. His clerical work was done large
| ly by his. own hands.
| He was not a social man and had few
intimates. He dined out occasionally,
but rarely attended theatre or church.
| He was sometimes seen out pleasure rid
| ing, but his principal recreation was his
work and his family circle.
Mrs. Randall is the daughter of the
late Gen. Aaron Ward, of New York
city. An incident Of Randalls southern
trip Of 1864-85 is often recalled by his
Kentucky friends as illustrating the in
6uence of Mrs. Randall in the sphere of
her husbands public life. 1t occurred at
Winchester, Ky, when, although it was
Sunday, two or three thousand people
had gathered at the depot to meet the
train. a brass band was present, and
| amidst great cheering and drumming
| Mr.. Randall appeared on the rear Of the
car and made speech. Soon the crowd
began to call for Mrs. Randall, and the
delighted congressman, pleased with all
this display Of Kentucky enthusiasm,
hastened into the car where she sat.
"Come. mother" he said, "just show
yourself at the car door People are
calling for you. They want to see your
face. Just step to the door and bow to
them.
"Do you know, Sam" she replied
edo you know that this is Sunday, and
that it is a wicked and outrageous thing
those people are doing? You ought to
be ashamed of yourself l shall not go
out.
Very greatly taken aback, Mr.. Randall
returned and faced the crowd again.
"Felluyv citizens ne said, "Mrs. Ran