National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1882-01-23
For Massey's Sake,

The country will not perhaps readily
recall the fact, but there is an individual
IN the State of Virginia named John l..
Massey. He is the auditor of public ac-
counts, to which Office he was chosen by
the last Readiuster Legislature, in 1882.
His term is about to expire, and the law
requires the Legislature to choose his sue
cessor. That body has appointed to-mor-
row as the day on which to make such
choice. The Readiusters having ma
jority of twenty-six on joint ballot, it is
their purpose to select the man. At
meeting of the Readiuster members, held
on Wednesday evening last, it was de-
cided to elect Mr.. S. Brown Allen. Mr..
Massey was voted for, but was defeated.
Five Of his friends withdrew from the
caucus. He complains of his defeat, and
seeks to posture as martyr. lie has no
more right to be in Office than any other
member of his party. His having served
one termed created no lien on second
term.
The new fashion of demanding high
Office on the ground of ones own SUI
periority, and of lecturing overwhelming
maiOrities of conventions and caucuses
for daring to differ with minorities, is a
gross exhibition of egotism. Mr.. Massey
has no doubt made good officer So
will Mr.. Allen. The latter is only to be
chosen tomorrow for one term. If ut
the end oft he shall not be reelected he
will suffer no wrong. The public indig-
ration cannot hn orntgnl hN Mn Mac
sey's loud complaints.at being left out of
office. The people want their work done.
Mr.. Massey thinks they are chiefly anx-
ious that he shall have place. lie is
mistaken. No one man is of much con-
sequence in this world. In published
letter he says
While, ms believe, vast majority of the best
people of all parties and in all portions of the State
desire my continuance IN office they will approve my
refusing TO sacrifice self respect and principle and
10 degrade myself and the Office for the sake of
holding 1t. do not hesitate to say that both on
my account and on account Of the public Interests
Idesired tobe elected, but not on such terms.
Here is modesty. There has been no
public expression nor any opportunity
for any in favor of Mr.. Massey's continu-
ance in Office. He sought the Govern
orship and was not wanted. lie sought
the Senatorship and was not wanted
He is reputed TO have sought an alliance
with the Bourbons during the senatorial
contest, but could not deliver any votes.
He is now ready TO be chosen auditor of
accounts by Bourbons and boilers; but
the latter are not to be found. 1t is most
HlnlNt fhat A llat, will
Readjuster vote tomorrow.
Mr.. Massey's preteXt for this present
little rebellion is that the majority of the
Legislature refuse to elect any officer
who will not be governed by that ma
jority in the selection Of his subordinates.
He set up his mightiness against this
reasonable requirement and hence his
downfall. lie should know that if
the Legislature close it could provide
by law for just what he objects to.
If the majority prefer 10 en-
force their policy by different
method we see no reason why they
should wait upon his permission. The
country at large is not agitated over the
woes of Mr. Massey incident to his strug-
gle for an Office, nor can the Virginia
coalition be dissolved on so small cause
as a caucus rule, the worst effect of which,
had he been elected under it, would have
been to exclude from employment in his
Office three or four members of his own
family Such independence as his proved
failure long ago with certain quadru-
ped on ice, il he cannot enjoy himself
in the society Of his Readiustcr friends
unless he can rule the roost he will be
wise TO quietly depart lie should re,
member that they have set their faces
against the rule Of the minority, enforced
by bull-dozing He has no cause fol
quarrel, except disappointed ambition
and that is a grievance to him only,