The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1890-04-18
His Last Look of Love.

much toward his comfort by frequent
friendly visits.
His Last Look of Love.
During his last hours his wife and family
were constantly at his bedside. Mr. Ran
dali was unconscious at times during the
last day or two of his life, and was speech
less toward the end. To Mrs. Randall he
'miled last fond look of recognition half
hour before his death.
The funeral will take place here on Thurs
day morning The arrangements will be in
charge of q congressional committee to be
appointed today. Mrs. Randall prefers
that the services be held in the Metropolitan
Presbyterian church, of which Mr. Randall
was member, and not in the house of re-
presentatives After the funeral services
the funeral party will take special train
over the Pennsylvania railroad to Phila-
delphia, where the interment will take place
In the Randall family vault in Laurel Hill
cemetery.
The Story of His Life.
Samuel jackson Randall was born in
Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1928, and his career
through life justifies the assertion that he
was born a statesman. He received a good
academic education and pursued his studies
with the intention of devoting his life to
mercantile pursuits. After he had finished
his studies he obtained position in the
counting room of mercantile establish
ment, but in n short time his work became
rksome and he conceived a distaste for the
duties Of merchant. His father, the late
Josiah Randall, was one of the active Dem
Dcrats of Philadelphia, and he inspired his
son with a desire to enter political life,
which feeling increased in intensity as he
attended conventions and meetings until he
finally adopted it as the calling most suited
TO his taste. In 1855, accompanied by his
father, he went to Cincinnati, and assisted
ut the convention that nominated Buchanan
Tor president Mr.. Randall was elected a
member of the city council of PHILADELPHIA,
which position he held for four years.
familiarzng himself with city politics. and
making for himself acquaintance and
record which were afterwards distined to
push forward his political fortunes In 1858
he was elected to the Pennsylvania state
Ienate, of which he soon became the most
conspicuous member.
Defender of the Union.
When the civil war broke out, he took
strong grounds in favor of the maintenance
Of the Union, and while he differed with the
administration on many point of method he
was one of the most steadfast supporters OF
an undivided country to the end He was
At that time a member OF the First troop,
Philadelphia City cavalry, and volunteered
with his command under President Lincoln's
call for troops and served the ninety DAYS.
In 1862 he was elected to congress from the
Third Pennsylvania district and has been
reelected TO each succeeding session, serv-
ng continuously since that time. In 1875,
when the Democrats gained control OF the
house for the first time since 1861 his friends
.ried hard to have him elected speaker
fnowing that he possessed the qualities so
essentially fit for the position The party
caucus, however, decided against him and
favor of Michael c. Kerr of Indiana
The Tiiden-Hayes Controversy.
Then came what was probably the most
delicate and trying period Of Mr. Randall's
political career. In 1876 he was elected
ipeaker-at a time when the dispute about
the rilden-Hayes presidential election ex-
,ited congress TO condition bordering on
fury and almost brought the country to the
verge OF another civil war. Suspicion was
so keen that ordinary parliamentary cour
tesy TO a political opponent was the cause OF
severe party criticism, and for the last
month of the session the speaker had TO az.
ert all his ability and strain to the utmost
his influence with his party to steer the ship
OF state safely. Through that exciting or
ueui nc phaSeu WIN pIououHceu success, eL-
pediting in a marked degree the settlement
of the yexed question which agitated the
country.
He was reelected speaker for the two
following terms, serving in that position
until March 3, 1851, when the Republicans
took the house for term. When the Dem
ocrats again obtained control of the house
the divisions in that party on the revenue
issues led to his defeat for the speakershp
and to the election of John G, Carlisle. But
Mr.. Randall always ret aimed the command
ing position his talents had won for him and
grew in reputation. As speaker he was not
tender in the administration of bis office
He was a commander aud ruled the house
with heavy hand. From the first Mr.
Randall was recognized in congress as
power, and finally he became the recognized
leader of his party.
His High Tarin Attitude.
He served in turn ON all the important
| committees-the committee ON rules, ON
hauLtuu n nd n, l..