Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-05

eral churches in the Valley of Virginia un-
til 1854. He then took charge of Churches
in Albemarle and Nelson counties, and has
since resided in Albemarle. In 1851 he was
compelled, by the failure of his health, to
resign his pastoral charge, and was unable
to resume active labors for about two years;
after which his health was so far restored
as to enable him to again enter upon active
duties. Losses which he sustained by the
war, however. rendered Unnecessary for him
to give much of his attention to secular mat
tiers.
In 1878 Mr.. Massey was elected to repre-
sent his county (Albemarle) in the House of
Delegates. In 1875 he was reelected. In
1877 he was elected to the Senate from Abe
marie and Greene.
MIR. Massey during his legislative career
gave great attention to the public debt, and
has been, with great truth, called 'the fatk-
er of readjustment."
party twice as much service as any man in
it. Following the Readjuster victory of
that year, to which he had contributed 30
much, he was nominated by the caucus of
tn at party and elected Auditor over the old
incumbent, William F. Taylor, Esq. 1t
b as often been said of him that he made
'sthe best Auditor the State ever had.'
But Mr.. Massey and General Malone soon
came into collision. The legislative caucus
adopted-as is well known, with the an
proval of General Mahone-a resolution re-
quiring all the heads of departments to sub
NIT to the appointment of such subordinates
as should be selected by the caucus commit
tee. To this Massey demurred He ap-
peared before the caucus, but their persua-
sions fell upon an ear deaf to,them. Malone
met Massey's frmness with stubbornness
Thus breach was opened. 1t grew and
grew as new questions opened up. Like
wise grew the domineering spirit of Ma
less than two years Auditor Massey and
Senators Newberry, Williams, Hale, and
tybrook afterwards well known as "the
Big Four') were in open revolt. Immense
was the pressure brought to bear upon all
hve, but they stood out against Malone and :
the caucus like stone wall.
General Malone was able to elect 8.
Brown Allen, Esq, Auditor, in place of
Massey, but "the senatorial deadlock he
could not break.
'The Big Four" joined to the Demo-
cratic strength, reared an opposition which
broke to flinders and scattered to the winds
Mahone's schemes to GUST the circuit Judges,
to alter the charter of Richmond, to impose
uPon ono PooPio 1ho iauu-sdloS Dill, ana, per-
haps worse than all, ga bill to redistrict the
State for members of Congress"
That bill meant to give to this Democratic
State large Republican majority in Viz
ginia's representation in Congress.
1t is but saying the bare truth when it is
stated that Massey was the leader of 'the
Big Four" He encouraged them in their
position. He helped them to hearth fierce
assaults of their enemies. He planned for
them. He took a full share of their trou-
bles and labors. Massey, Newberry, Will
liams, Hale, and Lybrook saved us from
untold miseries. They commanded halt.
They gained breathing time for the Demo-
Gratis. The Democrats and anti Malone
Readjusters rallied at the next State cleo
ton, and both branches of the General AS
sembly were wrested from the Mahoneites.
In 1882 the Democrats supported Massey
for congressman at large, and he made a
canvass of the State under most discourage
ing circumstances. He appealed for votes
to people whose animosity towards him was
still fresh. He had but scant help. Pre-
cious little money had he at his command;
but such was the vigor, such the unquench-
able spirit of his campaign, that the Malone
people felt called upon to use desperate
remedies against him. The returns show
ed that he was defeated by $500 votes, but
the cry of. "fraud" was heard everywhere,
and Massey, obeying the injunctions of press
and people, appealed to the House of Rep
resentatives to rectify his wrong, but with.
out success.
Mr.. Massey is put on this ticket because
of his services, because of his ability, be-
cause he is a favorite of the Readjuster-
Democrats.
He is great campaigner-there is no
better in Virginia. He knows the public
debt question as he knows the alphabet
He is an untiring canvasser. He is not
easily discouraged. He can give and take
heavy blows in political controversy. In
view of all these things the voice of the
Convention was nearly unanimous for him;
and when his share of the labor of the can
vass is allotted him and he takes the stump
it will be found that he does his work well
and contributes his full share to the victory
which in November the Democratic party
has reason and right to confidently count
on.