The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-05-10
COL. RYLAND RANDOLPH
 DIES IN BIRMINGHAM
Prominent and Leading Figure in Alabama in Re- construction DayS--He Was Not Easily Recon- Structed and Gave the "POWerS That
 Be" Some Trouble.

heard the noise, and stepped to the door | of the corner store and looked out, in the forehead and he fell out on the sidewalk. dead. That was the only shot that had taken effect. When both pistols were emptied Smith drew a fresh pistol and Randolph threw his empty pistol after Smith and as Smith turned to use his fresh weapon. Randolph drew from his pocket flashing dirk and made for him with whoop The bright steel was too much for Smith and he turned and ran. with Randolph after him. As he stepped upon the door facing to enter the store of John Glascock. on the corner, Ram dolph made a slash at him with his knife and cut his coat open from collar to tail. About that time Smith threw his pistol behind him and fired, and the bullet struck Randolph in the right knee, ranging up and going out at the thigh. from which he lost his leg and walked on a crutch ever afterward to the day of his death I shall never forget the ex- citement the occurrence created in Tus- caloosa. Everybody who could get a horse and a weapon went out after Smith and he was caught and brought to jail. A detachment of Federal soldiers were detailed to guard him and in a very short time he escaped, and that closed the in- cident.
 Turns the Tables.
 In 1875, when the Alabama Press Asso- ciation went to New York as the guests of the New York Press Association, Col. Randolph went along, although at that time he was only an honorary member, having disposed of The Monitor and re- tired for the time being from active newspaper work, On that trip. he made quite a hit with the people of New York. where he turned the tables. and at every place where public demon- stration was had, he was called out to speak and expressed surprise that the people of the North were ordinary hu- man beings like other people. So much having been said then in the papers that he had taken up an idea that they were like wild beasts and dangerous to approach. His speeches created much merriment >mong the more intelligent of the people of New York and the humor in them was much enjoyed. About that time it will be remembered that the Ku- klux and other lawlessness in the South was pictured in a terrible light by all the Northern press. and our people were made out to be demons in human shape. Colonel Randolph made quite hit in parrying the severe attacks on our peo-
 
 thors of them, ridiculous to his hearers. He pretended that he was surprised that | Southern man could visit the North | without a body guard, and expressed qualification that so great change had | taken place in so short a time. He was made the lion of the trip. He is kindly remembered by the few who are left of that memorable excursion, and they will recall the incidents Of 1t with pleas. | ure
 The True Issue.
 He started a paper at Birmingham | called The True Issue several years ago but 1t lasted but short time, and that is the only active newspapers work he ha: done in late years He has had 'severa fortunes left him by relatives. but wal not thrifty and did not know how tC manage, and at the time of his death hat but little property. He was true to z | friend, brave and magnanimous in hi: l nature and generous to a fault. knew him intimately in days gone by, and learned to appreciate his many noble l traits of character. and was proud to bt nembered as among his friends His wife was Miss Kate withers. She preceded him to the grave about two years. He leaves two sons, who are fir business in the Birmingham districts Thus another true and noble spirit passes over to the great beyond. May he rest ir peace.