Roanoke daily times. (Roanoke, Va) 1886-1890, 1890-04-15

spects gave II Republican majority. His habits
Of life were of the simplest nature, and he al.
ways made it u rnie u p9ssihle 10 sleep ten
hours. retiring earlv and arisi.- 9Th the
first CLEAN of day.
One or Mr.. Randai,'s pecuiiarities was his
remarkable r.ticcncc about himself and his
affair. About twe.vc years ago, when his
name bcstn To be prominently mentioned in
connection with the presidential nomination
OF the Democratic p,ir;y, y well known news
paper c0rrcspondcn: wno wanted to compile
his biography was sarpriscd Ia find no pub
lishcd data available. lie sought Mr.. Ran
dali and ask,,. niHl for some Of the details of
his early life, telling him the purpose for
which he desired them.
Isis Modest Autobiography.
Mr.. Randall told him. in his blunt way, that
he would Gl,! ali that was worth knowing
abont him IN tho Con.rres sionai Directory.
The CORES pon:ieD. consulted ;liat repository
of tho antubio%raphies Of statesmen. and was
surprised to lind, that while the records of
some congressman hardly known outside. Of
their Own districts con.ai ned between five
and sis hundred words. less than one hundred
were employed TO chronicle the record of the
man who was the leader Of the house. AS an
other last iac. OF his reiiccnce, it is related
that just after the famous Oak View con-
ference, where President Cleveland outlined
his message To Mr. Randall, personal friend
asked him what he had heard about it. II
did hear" was Mr.. Rnndalls laconic reply,
that they got rs far as free wlliskey."
To Mrs. Randall he was singuarly devoted.
She is a daughter Of the late Gen. Ward, who
was at one time II member OF congress from
New'fOrk She is Il woman Of somewhat re-
tired taste, rather aversc 10 taking an active
part in the social display of Washington OFF,
cial life and i'll such matters had absolute
sway over Mr.. Randall. He never ques-
toned her decisions in social affairs.
Tic Fatal aaladv.
In July. 1855, Mr.. Randall was suddenly
taken seriously i'll in Washington with
hemorrhage of the stomach. During the
previous three months he had undergone very
severe and trying surgical operations in Phil
adc!pha which greatly impaired his consti-
tuition. The hemorrhagc developed into in
Illumination of the bowels his condition rap
idly grew worse and at one time il was feared
that his recovery was an impossiblity.
He rallied, however, and in the lattor part
of the month was removed by advice Of
his physician from Washington. He was
taken 10 4 country seat. "Castanca," near
Wayne station, Pa, which had been provided
for him.
He remained there until Dec. /, 1889, when
he returned to Washington greatly improved,
but not b. any means Il well man. He never
fully recovered from this attack. and al
though kccnly interested in tariff legislation
and in the maintenance of Il high protective
policy by congress, lie WAS never able TO re-
sumo his seat and continue the work lie loved
so well.
By the death of Representative Kelley, Mr..
Randall was entitled to succeed him rs the
Father of the House by reason If longest
continuous service. 1t may be- said Of him
that he died in the harness. Il public man abb
soiutcly without Il stain.