Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-04-17
THE RANDALL OBSEQUIES.
Simple but Impressive Funeral Services
This Morning.

Ihfs Morning.
TIE BODY LYING N STATE At THE CHURCH
HUNDREDS LOOK THEIR LAST UroN 1.-THE
sEnyICEs-REv. DIR. cHEsTEE's FEELISa AD-
DREss--THE REMAINS TAKEN TO PHILADELPHIA
The funeral services over the remains of
Representative Randall were held this morn
ing at the Metropolitan Presbyterian Church,
and at 1l:40 am. the funeral train left the
Pennsylvania depot for Philadelphia.
With hymns and prayer and simple
words of eulogy by his pastor, Rev. DR.. Ches-
ter. and DR.. Milburn, the blind chaplain of the
House, the service of the dead was conducted
in the presence of the deceased statesman's col
leagues in Congress and hundreds of his friends.
Cabinet ministers and Congressman, with the
humplest citizen, who hold the memory of
Randall dear. assembled in the church to tes-
tify their sorrow and to do reverence to the
dead.
Every effort to preserve the simplicity Of the
service tended to increase its solemnity. The
services were in keeping with the character of
the man. Such testimonial is seldom paid to
any man and participated in by such an as
semblage of distinguished people, all of whom
had the bearing of mourners. About O'Clock
in the morning before the remains were taken
to the church, private service OF prayer was
held at the house.
THE REMAINS LYING IN STATE.
The remains were then taken to the church,
where they lay in state until about $50 O'Clock.
Hundreds of people, including many Senators
and Representatives, looked for the last time
on the dead statesman's face.
The remains were placed in the sanctuary
before the high altar. A large wreath and a
spray of palm rested on the casket, which was
Of black cloth. The altar and the choir balcony
and organ were draped heavily in black.
On either side OF the pulpit stood palm on
draped pedestal, and in front were many flow
ers. On one side was a large shaft fashioned
after the Washington monument which was
presented by the Plate Printers Association.
On the other side was an arch and cross and
an emblem of the sacred heart presented by
the Samuel Jackson Randall Association Of
Philadelphia. The wreath that rested on the
casket was presented by the members of the
House appropriations committee.
As the people assembled Prof. Bischoff PLAYED
HYMN, so soft that it could Just be heard,
gently filling the church with low, sad music.
DISTINGUISHED AssEMBLAGE IN THE CHURCH
About $50 the carriages with the family
and immediate friends reached the church and
as Mrs. Randall. leaning on the arm of her hus-
bands brother, the two daughters Mrs Lam
caster and Miss Susan, the only son and
namesake OF the dead statesman,
delphia) moved up the aisle to the seats re-
served for them in the right center, they
were preceded by DIR. Chester, wearing long
white scarf. and reciting the opening
to the burial service. Il am the Resur-
rection and the Life" Soon after
ward the members of the joint committee
of the two houses, also wearing white scarfs.
entered the church and took their seats in the
left center, the front row being occu-
pied by four of Mr.. Randall's old
est friends and coileagues-Messrs. ONeill,
Carlisle, Mckinley and Holman. little back
of the joint committee sat Mr. and Mrs Blaine,
aud near to them Vice President and Mrs. Nor
ton, Mrs. Harrison, escorted by Mr.. Haiford,
the Presidents private secretary, and Chief
Justice Fuller and daughter. Mr.. Wanamaker
was in another part of the church. A large
number of Senators and members of the House,
including the Speaker and many ex-members,
were also present A deputation OF Shout
thirty uniformed members OF the Gran
Army of the Republic from Philadelphia
was in the church and afterward acted as an
escort to the funeral procession. The great
bulk OF the congregation was composed of Mr..
Randalrs friends and neighbors who loved him
and sincerely mourned his death.
THE SERVICES.
The hymn 'Lead, Kindly Light having
been sung by the Schubert auartette. the Sc
lection from the 18th chapter of lst Corin-
theans, beginning with the verse, "But now is
Christ risen from the dead. was de-
claimed by Mr.. Milburn, who followed
with prayer, in which he spoke of the coffin
that contained all that was mortal of "A loyal
and beloved husband. a revered and tender
father, steadfast friend, stainless patriot, an
upright statesman, an lmpassioned lover of his
country and an unweary servant of the people"
He gave thanks and praise '.for the wealth of
spotiess name, the nobility Of simple
character, career adorned by uprightness and
fidelity and fearlessness." The hymn. ''Just
as l am Without One Plea" which was said to
be Mr.. Randall's favorite hymn. was sung and
then the funeral sermon was preached by DIR.
Chester as follows:
DIR. CHEsTER's ADDRESS.
DIR. Chester, in beginning his address, said
it was wish expressed by Mr.. Randall that
his funeral services should be devoid of all
earthly pomp: that they should be held in the
sanctuary where the heart instinctively bends
In reverentiai alteration before its God that
the chief recognition of himself should be his
testimony TO the grace of Jesus Christ as the
blessed Saviour. The expression of such a de-
sire, said the speaker, affords one of the best
eulogies on his character. 1t reveals the hon.
est simplicity of his nature. 1t fifty crowns a
life of service to man by death of testimony
to the grace of God.
Those who knew him intimately" said DIR.
Chester, recognized the fact that long before
his last sickness his mind had turned to serious
reflection. Reared in youth under tine infu-
ences of the gospel, coming from a pious an
cestry. he grew up with respect for religion,
which revealed itself in his attendance on the
church, i'll his conscientious observance of the
Sabbath, in his fidelity 10 his domestic
ties in his interest in all Christian charities
However men might differ from him in opinion
all recognized the rugged honesty OF his char
acter; all knew that his hands could never be
sullied by bribes or his opinions served by.
favor. Like all other men lie had his tempta-
tions. bat long before his death he had COM
pletely conquered every unlawful appetite.
Yet. with all this morality of life Mr.. Randall
realized that he needed that preparation Of
heart which could only come through the blood
which cleanseth from all sin and by that Holy
Spirit which can sanctify the soul. Therefore
was il that after calm reflection he made the
request to DE baptized and be received into
the church OF Christ. This step was taken at
time when, however anxious his friends we're
about his recovery, he himself fully expected
returning to active life. He once remarked to
his family: 'Iknow that God has given me in
fluence among my fellow men, and as have
now prospect of recovery L want henceforth
to use the influence OF my example on the side
OF Christianity. 1t was atouching scene when
more than three months since he made
profession of his faith il Christ
was baptized and partook of the sacrament of
the Lords Supper. Though prostrated on his
couch with that strong will which ever charac-
terized his actions, he made the last effort of
his life to rise from his couch to receive the
baptismal rite. He devoutly partook of the en-
blems of the body and blood of the Saviour.