The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1895-06-28
THE MASSEY LIBEL SUIT
Evidence for the Plaintiff Sub
mitted Yesterday.
Mr.. Wake Reads TO the Jury All of
the Articles Published in the Pilot
Rejecting on Mr.. Massey. Oh.
jections Argued The
Governors Present.


days session OF the now famous suit Of
Joan L. Massey, superintendent Of
L lucatiou. vs.. the Pilot Publishing
Company aud others, was begun.
The Judge, who is making reputn
tion for promptness and patience, was
rs heretofore exactly on time. He ap.
pearci to have enjoyed a good nights
sleep, was looking as fresh ne when the
ease was called on the oath.
Judge prentis, physically. will be
able to sinnd long trial. Being
student whose requirements in the law
are we'll recognized. he will be able to
decide ali Of the points submitted with
dispatch impossible for n less equip
ped Judge, SO there will DO no delays
on account of His Honor.
When Deputy Sheriff Mercer called
the Court to order, all OF the lawyers
engaged in the case were present ex
cept MIR. Wise, who appeared in the
next few minutee.
Mr.. Il. A. Dobie, one OF the jurors,
was little tardy. He oxme with note
book and pencil anu during the exam
inatiou took notes. When Mr.. Dobie
gets to the Jury room he will he one of
fhe best Informed OF those who hive to
pass upon the questions involved in the
great suit.
THE GovERSoR PRESENT.
There was breeze Of comment in
the audience when Ex-Governor Nc
Kinney and Attorney. General Scott
entered and we're given seats on the
left Of the Judge. Senator Barnes also
viewed the proceedings from the Judi
cial platform. Nirginia's distinguished
Governor, Hon. Charles Il. O'F'errnll.
accompanied by Secretary OF the Com
noLw wealth Jos. luwless; Managing
Editor Chesterman, of the Dispatch,
and Editor Copeland, OF the State,
arrived ut 1920,
There was slight pause in the bust
ness of the court, the Governor was
warmly greeted by his many friends,
aud was given seat, MS was also MIR.
Chesterman, on tue platform with
Judgs Prentis. These distinguished
witnesses wero very attentive lIstners
to all that trnnspired. Attorney Gen
eral Scott appearing to appreciate
his ily the legal tilts between tho law
yer,.
Nnile the proceedings yesterday
nu c,ntion which characterized the
Sc, icus Of the previous days, there
WA much to interest even an ordinary
b. ctator.
he learned and dignifed Richard
w Ike. who up to yesterday had done
n1ne of the talking, engaged tho at.
s'1tlon OF the Judge, jury aud audience
marty all OF yesterdays session,
THE EVIDENCE.
AS soon as the Court was ready for
bEsi'"ss Mr.. }. \. McGilvary, score.
tary o. 40 knord Of Education. was
called. He did not answer and Mr..
Wake, Tor the plaintiff. arose and said
We will begin, if it may please Your
Honor and gentlemen of the ju.y. by
uoniitting 40 part Of the plaintiffs
testimony the charter Of the defend
nats' company.
He then read the date OF the grant.
Ing OF the charter and the names OF the
directors and their duties.
de offered next copy Of the oath
taken by MIR. Massey III 1890 as Super.
1ntendent of Education, also the onth
taken i'll 1894.
Hon. j. Il. LRwless, Secretary of the
Commonwealth, was called TO the stand,
Was member Of tho Legislature in
1855 and 1890; said he voted for Mr.,
Massey for Superintendent of Public
instruction. MIR. Lnwless was called
to testify as to the Incumbency of MIR.
Massey as Superintendent OF Educa-
tion during certain periods. To save
time the defence said they would admit
that MIR. Massey was in Office, mud Mr..
1Iawless was requested 10 stand aside.
MIR. Wake then submitted the char
ter OF the American Book Company,
which he read, showing It's business
and entire capital OF s., 900 900.
The minutes of the Bonrd of Educa.
tlon Tor the meeting OF March 18th,
1880, we're read. showing the list O!
the books adopted ut that meeting.
also Tor the meetings held subsequent
ly during that year. Also the minutes
OF the board for March, 1894. At this
meeting the board declined to hear
oral arguments from the publishers or
their agents. and adopted books for
the public schools OF the State. He
submitted also the regulations OF the
board III regard to the adoption, sale
Rnd price of books.
MIR. Wake ALEC offered in evidence
Nlrglnia's contract with the American
Book Company.
TIL pIhoT's FLIES.
While Mr. Wake was reading the
documents mentioned above Mr.. 4. p.
Thorn was going through large
leather hand satchel, from which lie
brOus LIE forth carefully arranged
cppies of the Pilot. dating from De.
cember last to the Dreseut tina A.