Birmingham age-herald., 1895-06-27
A PAUPER, YET RICH.
That Is One Charge Brought Against Vr- gina's Superintendent of Education.
 Change of Politics No Dishonesty.

Norfolk, Va, June 26.-There was very much interest manifested in the Massey Pilot suit today, and for five and half hours the building was packed with an audience composed of the most prora- nent citizens of the community. Those who could not get inside either hung to the window sils or lonr ged about the halls in hearing of the speakers.
 As soon as the jury were in their places Judge Heath, who was looking in per feet form, arose. and after a few intro- ductory remarks, said: "A high official comes here and asks a money considera- tion for damages and procaimS to this court that he has avoided the payment of a just judgment which a court of the state said he should pay"
 Judge Heath then res l the list of directors of the Pilot and said they were men of the highest character and not one of them has sought to avoid the payment of any honest obligation. They have not enjoyed the rascally immunity of insolvency while living on the fat of the land. He then related the manner of doing business by the board of eX- ecution, and said that the schools of the state are absolutely in the hands of the superintendent, whom Womack said he owned.
 We will show that the American Book company was in the habit of obtaining it's ends by the use of money. The con- tracts were valuable.
 Dr. Ruffin said the profits were nearly two-thirds and were worth millions of dollars. We will show you the influence of Womack over Massey.
 We are going to show you the methods Of the book company. We will show you that in 1890 Massey was insolvent, but in that year came into possession of large sums of money. We will show you that this money had certain characteristics. We expect to show you that MT. Womack did pay MT. Massey's expenses to Can ada.
 Judge Heath yielded his time to his colleague and counsel for the defense, Capt. John s. Wise, now of New York city.
 MT Wise in a short time got down to business and said: Now. in regard to the defendant referring to MT. Massey, I believe him guilty l believe MT. Mas sey was bribed and I do not say it un- pleasantly. l am going to give you the evidence.
 We will show you that in 1890 MT Massey, the pauper, was rich. We will show you that in 1872 the Rev John b. Massey transferred his farm to his brother in Massachusetts He has been famous for his impecuniosity since the readjustment campaign. We will show you that up to the time that he was superintendent of education he was inn pecunious; that this is not the first time he has been charged with this sort or thing. We will put men on the stand who will say that Mir. Massey is no mo- vice in the matter of giving or taking bribes MT. Massey asked a man to vote' for him. for United States senator and of fered him money. MT Massey is such man that he will travel on a free pass and charge the amount to the state. He is by nature bribe taker He will change his politics for an office and his honesty for cash.'
 Judge John Medley for the plaintiff closed the argument, meeting the charges of the defense with great spirit. Judge Medley is one of the most eloquent and finished debaters in the state, and had a number of sharp paissages with MT. Wise, who he twitted with his change of political faith, and made him admit that because man changed his politics he was not necessarily dishonest.
 MT Massey will go upon the stand to- nnOrrOW