[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 31 (Friday, March 8, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E318]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JENNINGS RANDOLPH OF WEST VIRGINIA

                                 ______


                         HON. NICK J. RAHALL II

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 8, 1996

  Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, retired U.S. Senator Jennings Randolph of 
West Virginia will be 94 years old on March 8, 1996.
  On this occasion, on behalf of myself and all West Virginians, I wish 
a happy 94th birthday to Senator Randolph, and we wish him many happy 
returns of the day.
  Senator Randolph served the great State of West Virginia for 40 
years, beginning in 1933--during Franklin Roosevelt's first 100 days as 
a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  Senator Randolph served in the House of Representatives from 1933 to 
1947, and then, served in the U.S. Senate from 1958 until his 
retirement in 1984.
  Known for his courtly manner and as the epitome of a southern 
gentleman, Senator Randolph could also be tenacious and unyielding as a 
proponent of the working men and women of West Virginia and the Nation. 
As a strong supporter of President Franklin Roosevelt's depression-era 
legislative remedies, he also followed another Roosevelt's maxim. It 
was Teddy Roosevelt who cautioned: Speaker softly, but carry a big 
stick. Even though Senator Randolph had a true orator's voice when he 
spoke on the floor, during meetings, or in public speeches to his 
constituents, it was during his one-on-one dealings with his colleagues 
that he used his softest voice, folded his massive hands into a 
supplicant's gesture, his words while gentle conveying that he said 
what he meant and meant what he said.
  This philosophy that a soft voice turneth away wrath was especially 
evident when it came to legislation that addressed the needs of the 
coal miners in his State and throughout the country, and when he spoke 
for all blue collar workers everywhere whose rights he protected with 
every fiber of his being.
  He never backed away from a fight over spending priorities either in 
the House, the Senate, or when confronted by one of the 10 Presidents 
under whom he served during his 40-year tenure of service to West 
Virginia.
  Senator Randolph loved the House and the Senate, serving 14 and 26 
years respectively in both bodies, and he did so with distinction. He 
was a legislator of integrity and style. He deserves the respect and 
admiration of all of us for the outstanding job that he did and the 
many contributions he made to both institutions.
  If he were here today, he would be out in front, leading all those 
who can be heard calling for an end to name calling and for complete 
civility between and among Members of both the House and the Senate as 
they conduct the people's business. Senator Randolph was a stickler for 
correct demeanor at all times, and for keeping the House and the Senate 
in proper order. On the Senate floor he was often heard to call for 
order in the Senate. He strongly believed that Members of the Senate 
should come to the floor and vote from their seats--calmly and 
quietly--rather than milling about on the floor and in the well. And, 
of course, they seldom did so.
  I am as much in awe of Senator Randolph's life of public service as I 
was when, in 1976, I was about to be sworn in as the then-youngest 
Member of the House of Representatives, and my respect for his 
achievements has but grown over the years.
  More than anything else, I am proud to be associated as a West 
Virginian and as a Member of this House, with his record of leadership. 
The record will show that he acted always with clarity of thought; that 
he believed deeply in the inherent abilities and talents that lie 
within every American.
  Senator Randolph was able to lead others, never through outrageous or 
revolting words or deeds, or through bellicosity or belligerence, but 
simply with an honest expression of confidence made quietly, a silent 
gesture or salute, or a humorous anecdote. And, if absolutely 
necessary, a gentle rebuke.
  Senator Randolph treated each of us with the characteristic wit and 
wisdom of a true gentleman, embodying the finest traditions of the 
House and the Senate, and of this great country, which he loved dearly.
  Senator Randolph now lives in a personal care home in St. Louis, MO 
near his eldest son Jay Randolph, and his grandchildren.
  Again, Senator Jennings Randolph, happy 94th birthday.

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