Democratic Sentinel, Volume 14, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 April 1890 — DEATH OF S. J. RANDALL [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

DEATH OF S. J. RANDALL

END OF PENNSYLVANIA'S FAVORITE SON AND STATESMAN. His Career from Boyhood to the Leadership of the House of Representatives— The Part He Played In the War of the Rebelllun, and His Rapid Rise to nence In Congress. Washington, April 14.—1 t was a sad and touching scene at the Bandall residence on Capitol hill when Congressman Samuel J. Bandall expired yesterday morning just as the bells of a neighboring church were tolling 5 o'clock. Around the bedside were gathered thefamily, the physician, and Post-master-General Wanamaker, who hod all kept a constant watch over the dyiug man during the night. A few moments before his death he had opened his eyes, and looking tenderly at his wife, who knelt over him, said In a low tone, “Mother,” a word instinct with all the fondest recollections of their long and happy married life, and by which he always called his wife when none but the family were near. Ho looked into her eyes as if he were about to say something more, but he seemed to have no strength left, and in a few moments he had passed away. Death had como with the coining of the dawn. The watchers saw that all was over and the brave wife and daughter, who had nursed and cared for him during his long illness, could restrain tholr feelings no longer but gave way to their grief, whiio the physician and Mr. Wanamaker endeavored to console them as best thev might, though their own grief hardly permitted them to speak. The shock was especially severe to Mrs. Bandall and her daughter Susan, who, rejecting all offers of assistance, have nursed the husband and father through his illness of almost two years'

duration. Their grief was touching in the extreme and the gentlemen present allowed them to Indulge it alone for some minutes. Postm a s t c r-G eneral Wanamaker came out of the room a few minutes after 5 and announced in an almost choking voice that all was over. He and the others then endeavored to

comfort tho afflicted family, and at length succeeded in inducing them to retire and try to refresh themselves with sleep. The news of Mr. Randall’s death became quite generally known during the day. It was expected and therefore was not so much of a shock as it otherwise would have been. A large number of persons called at the residence during the day to express their condolence. They were received by Mr. Lancaster, tho son-in-law. Tho President and Mrs. Harrison sent a basket of flowers, with a note expressing their deep sympathy with the family. Speaker Reed called during the afternoon to express his regrets and to learn tho wishes of Mr. Lancaster that he could carry out the wishes of the family in all things. Among the other callers were Secretary Blaine, ex-Senator Ferry of Michigan, who stood next to Mr. Randall during the electoral count proceedings, ex-Speaker Carlisle, Representatives Breckinridge of Kentucky, Springer of Illinois, and many others. Sergeant-at-arms Holmes called and took charge of the remains fy the house of representatives. They were embalmed and placed in a casket in the room in which Mr.' Randall died. It is said that the dead man presents a life like appearance except he is emaciated and wasted to a remarkable degree. The expression of regret at Mr. Randall's dqath was universal and sincere. None paid him higher tribute and respect than his Democratic colleagues in the House who differed with him vltaliy upon one of the most important measures in Congress. Representative Roger Q. Mills had not heard of Mr. Randall’s death when a reporter called and asked his opinion of Mr. Randall. Mr. Mills spoke feelingly and earnestly. “He was a very great man,” said he, “a man of unimpeachable integrity and a natural born leader of men. He had more of the elements of leadership than any man with whom I have come in contact since I have been in public life.”

Speaker Reed s&ld: “It would be useless to try to express in a few words the sense of great loss which we all feel in Mr. Randall's death. My esteen for him was very great and I have always had and expressed the highest admiration for his steadfastness and courage. Ho was a good friend, a brave man, and a statesman beyond reproach.” Mr. Carlisle, who was iust returning from a visit to the Randall residence, said: “My personal acquaintance with Mr. Randall began when I entered the Forty-fifth Congress in October. 1877. Ever since then our relations have been not only friendly, but quite intimate. Although we differed widely upon some very important subiects, we never allowed these differences to interfere with our friendship. I think his death is a great loss to his party and to the country, and that he deserves to be remembered for a great many important public services.” Samuel J. Randall was born in Philadelphia Oct, 10, 1828. His father was Josiah Randall, a lawyer of high standing in that city, and his mother was Ann Worrall, a daughter of Gen. Joseph Worrall, a Democratic leader in the time of Jefferson. After receiving an academic education young Randall entered into mercantile life, but he showed an early taste for politics, and when quite young was elected a member of the city council at Philadelphia. He served four years in that capacity and was afterward elected to a term in the State Senate. ’ From this time forward the history of Samuel J. Randall is a part of the history of his State and of the Nation, The fnneral will take place Thursday.

S. J. RANDALL.