Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-06-20
From the Virginia Readjuster.]
Letter fro m JnO. E. Massey.

Mr.. EDITOR The intelligent read
ers of the RichIaond Wing Can scarcely
have failed to notice that for some time
past, it has exhibited utter disregard of
not only those courtesies aud refine
ments which are usual with gentlemen,
but of fairness and truth as we'll
Whether crazed by recent unsolicit-
ed (?) promotion, or goaded to despera-
ton oy the failure of pet schemes can :.
not tell. presume both of these causes
combine, and that they are stimulated
by u third weakness.
It rarely aims to convince or refute
by fair and candid statement of facts,
and logical deductions from them, but
to silence by ridicule, bluster, brag and
villification.
It's editorial of M ~ 26th, exhibits its
aninius as well rs its mendacity and
other weakness. It says: MASSEY has
been proved already to be utterly UNI
worthy of credit in the case of Mr..
Wright, D clerk in the First Auditors
office in the case of the alleged effort
to remove white lady in the same Of
fec and put colored man in her place."
I know the Wing dares do many
things which should tinge its cheeks
with shame, if it had any; but willa it
dare deny that a ''colored man" was
selected to take the place of the only
"white lady clerk" in the First Auditer's
office? And that when declined to
remove her and give him the place he
was appointed to clerkship in the Sec
ond Auditors Office, and is still there
Will the Wing dare deny that Mr..
Wright, very worthy and efficient
clerk from Grayson county, was remov-
ed from the First Auditors Office. after
I left it, and "colored man" put in his
place, who is yet there? He KNOWS
these things are 80, and yet seeks, by
innuendo, to make its readers believe
they are not.
The same editorial says: "Hon Fl. 81.
Riddleberger charges him with felonious
practices in the direction of bribery and
corruption, and dares him to bring suit
for SANDER or libel. so that the proof,
may be forth coming" I should have
to be either more or less than man to
feel Indifferent to these vile utterances,
no matter how low or contemplate the
source from which they emaaated. Yet
7 cannot believe they will do me han
the damage in the estimation of any
intelligent, fair minded man that they
will do those who uttered them.
An Investigating committee" APP
pointed by the Senate for the especial
purpose of investigating any charges of
bribery or corruption against any MEM
Der or officer of the general assembly, or
any one elected to Office or position by
the general assembly, at either the last
or previous session, sat more than a
month. Riddleberger was the first NOV
er in the matter It was well known
that his airl was to do me ali the dam
age which envy, jealousy and hatred
could instigate or low cunning suggest
He ransacked every nook and corner,
and made engagements with negroes TO
meet in his room On SUNDAY'o procure
and concoct testimony. Yet. after all
his vigilance, he failed to procure sin.
gle witness, or to furnish any proof
which would sustain his allegations
Does any man doubt that he would have
found and furnished the proof, If any
such existed? He had every facility at
command The testimony be then IN
troduced utterly failed to sustain MIN:
No additional testimony can be adduced
unless it be first MANUFACTURED TO
ORDER FOR THE SPECIAL PURPOSE.