Birmingham age-herald., 1895-06-25
Ice cold lager at Beer Pavil- ion, LakevieW. 6-23-tf
RELATED TO DEMOCRACY,
Says Iuror-A Big Damage Suit Now En-
 gazing the Attention of V!rgnians.

Norfolk, Va, June 24.-The suit of Hon. Jchn E. Massey, superintendent of education of Virginia, against the Pilot fupnsnlng conpalIy, Us u4reetofs, o..-ii w. Small and k. E. Byrd, a lawyer Of Winchester, Va, was called in the city court this morning, Judge Prentiss on the bench. MT Massey asks s7o,00O for a slanderous publication. The Pilot charged that he was corruptly induced to favor and influence the board of edu- cation of Virginia to favor certain books of the American Book company. At the May term of the court the defense asked continuance of the case to the Novem- Der term on the ground that important witnesses were absent also that very material evidence, records of the states of Washington, Alabama, South Caro- lima and from Canada and Mexico, had not arrived.
 Judge Prentiss overruled the motion and set the hearing for today. The de- fendants at the May term were forced to enter their pleas, which they did five in number, one of which was general plea of justification.
 When the court convened this morning another special plea was offered charg- ing conspiracy on the part of John E. Massey, the agent of one Womack, and the American Book company to influence the board of education of Virginia to fa- vor the books of the American Book com pany, and that for his services Massey received money. The pleas were argued by J. E. Heath -Jr, and Capt John w. Swiss for the defendants and Messrs. All fred P. Thome, Richard Walker and Judge Nicely for the plaintiff and over ruled.
 The plaintiffs attorney held that it was nothing more nor less than another plea of Justification, which could not be or4e-~S tho second time. Judge Prentiss in sustaining this point said that con sp..acy coulu, however, have been shown in evidence. A venire of thirty-five of the most prominent business men of the city was called and all but five had made up their minds or expressed an opinion. The deputy sheriffs were kept busy till o'clock and when at that time the court adjourned eleven men had been found who could give fair trial. They were men of the highest character.
 Some of the answers made to questions from the judge created much amuse- ment. Capt. w. A. s. Taylor when asked if he was prejudiced against either of the parties to the suit, said: q am most decidedly prejudiced against both" Captain Taylor was allowed to stand aside
 Mir Festenwall, leading merchant, when asked if he was related to either of the parties to the suit, said: "The democratic party"
 Judge Pentriss announced this after noon that owing to the severe weather that his court would convene at 1030 a. m. and adjourn at D. m. daily. At this rate it will take at least ten days. Several of the important witnesses arc already here Secretary of the Common wealth Joel Lawless arrived today. Gov ernor O'Ferrall and Attorney-General Scott are expected tomorrow They are witnesses for the plaintiff
 Judge Req of Bristol and State Sena- tor Wood of Appomattox are witnesses for the defense. MT. Massey was in court all day and looks as confident and happy as possible. He expects a verdict of at least s25,0O0. The array of legal talent engaged in this case would be notable at any bar in the country.
 The best lawyers in eastern Virginia are in one way or another connected with the case The ind cations point to the most sensational trial in the history of the state.