Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-12-30
The SchooI.Book Question.

The Norfolk Pilot, In conformity TO
recent announcement OF its purpose makes
circumstantial charges of fraud and cor
ruption against Mr.. John T.. Massey. Su-
perintendent OF Public instruction, and
also charges Governor O'Ferrall with
gross neglect OF official duty. as a member
of the State Board OF Education, I'm
countenancing fraudulent contracts nego-
tlated by Mr.. Massey with the American
Book Trust. Governor O'Ferrall has
promptly announced his purpose TO take
the matter TO the courts and also states
lis intention to order searching investi-
CATION OF the .ndalouS charges against
the board. This ID light, and was to have
been expected.
The News Was not friendly to Colo
mel OI'arralls guDernatorial aspirations,
but 1t believes h. Is making an indus
trious effort e discharge his executive
functions honesty and acceptably.
Moreover, we believe any intimation Of
misconduct levelled at Governor OFerrall
In connection with the school-book awards
is totally unjust and untrue. and without
the semblance of foundation in fact. We
believe this will be the verdict Of the
people In advance OF any inquiry, and
that this opinion will not be shaken by
the fullest disclosure Of all the circum-
stances related to the school-book con-
tracts.
Indeed. the charges, as they affect the
Governor, are not of sufficiently serious
nature to justify libel suit. The grave
Indictment is specifically directed at Mr..
Massey who will no doubt meet II vigor-
ously at every point.
(The Lynchburg Advance)
The Advance does not believe for an In
slant that Governor OFerrall Is properly
amenable to the slightest criticism In
connection with this matter, and We are
glad to note that he proposes to institute
suit for libel. in order to test the Gues-
ton so far as he is involved, directly or
indirectly. In the charges. We are sure
that such action VIII result in his entlre
vindication from every aspersion that has
been made. Acknowledgement Scott Is not
specially criticised. We do not believe
purer man ever lived. The charges OF
corruption are manifestly aimed at Mr..
Massey. and, of course, that gentleman
will meet the issue promptly in the courts.
and not only clear his own skirts, but,
as the Norfolk Virginian puts 1t, win
dictate the honor Of the State"
Che Danville Register.)
The Pilots charges are general charges,
with the promised proof SO conspicuous
by its absence as to lead the average
reader to suspect that the real object Is
not to- unearth any real crookedness, but
simply 10 create a sensation and to give
the editor of the Pilot prominence in his
new houI. and his paper some free adj
yertislng Il might not otherwise get,
CThe Staunton Vindicator)
Wnat Hucn resembles an indictment
drawn up by a rival. but disappointed
book concern, or its attorney, made it's
appearance In the Norfolk Pilot. edited
by Rev. Samuel W. Small. last Sunday.
The Superintendent Of Public Education.
Rev. John f. Massey. and the other two
members OF the board. Governor OFerrall
and Attorney General Scott, have pro-
nounced the statements made In It false.
1t is not a case TO be tried in the news
papers," hut should be tried In a libel
suit against the paper publishing the
statement, as We hope 1t will be.