The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-04-07
A sHREWD POLITICIANS.
Zion. John E. Mass alks
About the Democracy.

Hon. John e. Massey, State superin-
tendent of public instruction, spen. Yes
terday in Roanoke and visited the public
schools of the city, conversed with the
teachers and made short address 5 to
the pupils.
Mr.. Massey said that he was impressed
with the school buildings of Roanoke,
with the perfect organization of the
schools, with the appearance of the
children and with the ability and capac.
ity of the teachers.
He gave as his opinion that the public
school system of Virginia had boon
greatly improved within the last few
years, and that the prejudice that ex-
listed against it in certain classes was
fast disappearing. There are now over
5000 public schools in Virginia, which
are attended by $780, children. The
FREQ schools are not only gaining ground
in public estimation, but are also ad-
vancing in efficiency. The summer nor
NAL schools that are held in different
portions Of the State are making them-
selves felt, and the teachers are learn
ing not only what to teach. but how to
teach.
MIR. Massey is on an annual tour of
inspecting the schools and will visit and
investigate personally the schools in all
tho large towns and meet the teachers
of the country schools at county teach
erS' institutes. lie left yesterday after
noon for Lynchburg and will go from
there to Accomac and Northampton
counties.
In conversation with TIMES reporter
Mr.. Massey, who is regarded as one Of
tho shrewdest politicians in the State,
drifted into politics and spoke of the
fight between Cleveland and Hill. He
said that some time ago he thought that
Cleveland would secure the nominate
and then for a while Hills chances were
good, but at present tho indications are
that Western man would be tho stand
ard bearer of the party this fall.
Mr.. Massey has strong liking for
Boies, of Iowa, and thinks the Democ-
racy would be safe under his leadership.
Personally he would like to see Gov
ernor 'Pattison nominated, but thinks
he is not available.
Mr.. Massey said that in the time that
will elapse between now and the
national convent great changes may
take place, and tho tide that is now
changing in favor Cleveland may secure
the nomination for the ex-president If
it was left to the choice of the people of
Virginia or indeed to tho populace of
the country, Cleveland would undoubt-
eddy be the next nominee, but unfortu-
nately, conventions which ought to re-
fleet, often conceal the wishes of the
people.
While Senator Daniel and the Rich.
mond Dispatch are strong for Hill, it
does not follow that Virginia will send
a Hill delegation to the convention.
The valley of Virginia. the tenth legion,
which is the stronghold of Virginia De-
mocracy, is almost unit for Cleveland
Mr.. Massey, who is unquestionably
the most conspicuous, unique and origi-
nal figure that has ever appeared in the
political arena of the Old Dominion
since the days of John Randolph, is,
Notwithstanding his age and the fact
that he is just recovering from severe
attack of the grip contracted in Norfolk
a few months ago, as active and vigor-
GUS as he was in the days of readjust-
mont, when he virtually formed and or
ganized the largest political party.
numerically speaking, that ever existed
in Virginia.