Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-04-14

As head Of the appropriations comrittee
and possessing wider knowledge OF fiscal af-
fairs than any other man in the Hous,, he
practically controlled the appropriations for
the entire government. Through him the
policy Of ''retrenchment and reform" became
an attribute of the democratic party. He was
undoubtedly one OF the greatest men in his
party. They have, perhaps, had no other man
before the pubic. excepting Tiiden and Cleve-
land. OF equal strength of character and de-
termination with him. He was practical
rather than theoretical defender of the Con-
sututlon. After many years service in public
life he died one of the poorest men in Con-
gress. He enjoyed the distinction of being a
man whose honesty and absolute integrity of
purpose were never questioned. This with his
earnestness and fOrceful manners impelied by
an InfeXible determination. gave his word
tremendous weight and influence IN Congress.
Mr. RANDALLs RESIDENCE.
He was man Of the greatest simplicity in
his mode Of life. who chung 10 his home asso-
Citations, caring nothing for display The ex-
tent Of his worldly possessions is represented
IN the very plain home he owned on street
hear LIST on Capitol Hill. His appearance and
his manners added to the force OF his reputa-
ton. In the heat of debate his face was the
ideal picture OF power and determination
When set in purpose and fred by the energy
OF action the muscles frightened in his heavy
jaw, his eyes bright and his form erect and
the PersOnlhcation of an irresistible force. He
has never been known to hesitate ON the floor
OF the House.
The FIGHT on THE FORCE BILL
At the time when the southern democrats
were powerless 10 help themselves or their
party he, as northern Union man. was of in
estimable service in their defense Long hours
OF the day and night spent on his feet in resist
snce OF the force bill in the Fortv-third Con-
hardly rc TO
him, gave n forciblo illustration of his power
ful qualities leader.
Randall was raised in an atmosphere of legal
and constitutional discussion and imbibed
patriotism and stanch political principles
from his early associations. He got his veneer
alton for the early institutions and the spirit OF
the revolution from his grandfather. Gen Wor-
rIll who fought in the revolution. His mother
was woman OF remarkably strong character
and imbued with the Old-fashion spirit of
patriotism. His father was a leading LAWYER
and politician, from whom he drew his respect
Tor and knowledge Of constitutional govern.
ment
RandalIs first entrance into political life was
az member OF the city council of Philadel-
phla, where he served for four years He then
became a member of the state senate He has
been IN the House since the beginning of the
Ihirty-eighth Congress, and almost at the
Starting OF ms public career he became a str tx
ing Inquire IN national politics. A strong char
acterlsuc, which was early developed in him
and marked his whole career was a strict aeon.
racy of statement He always made himself
absolutely sure OF the facts before making q
statement and was absolutely independent
AS SPEAKER.
He became Speaker of the House at the Sec
ond session OF the Forty-fourth Congress anC
was reelected for the Forty-ffth and Forty.
sixth The leadership was taken from him il
the fOrty-eighth Congress on tine tariff reform
question, and some antagonIsm has existed be-
tween him and other members of the party il
the House on that question, but il never weak
ened his power on the floor of the House no
impaired his usefulness. lie always found hi
party following him in matters OF appropria
tions and they never failed TO turn 10 hin
when there has been party contest in tn
House wherein the tariff was not involved.
Mr.. RANDALL As SOLDIER.
Ar. Randalls military record is most honor
able. When Fort Sumter was fired on Mr.
Randall was a member Of a military organiza
ton OF Philadelphia known as the Cit
Troop. This troop at once offered il
services 70 the government. and MI
Randall enlisted as a private. In Nav the
marched into the vicinity Of Harpers Ferr
under command Of Col George. IL. Thoma
As 3 private soldier Mr.. Randall observed Go
Thomas bravery IN the field and had a hig
admiration for his personal and soldierly qua
ities. Sitting IN his tent one evening Priya,