Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-07-19

ernor of Virginia. and by virtue of his
Office was president ex-ofiiciO Of the
Board of Education Of the State. lie
had been associated with Mr. Massey,
the plaintiff in this suit. since $50, but
had known him for many years.
Governor OFerrall was then asked II
any book agents called on him in the
early part Of the last year
He replied In the affirmative, saying
They came in unbidlen and without
knocking. and any one knows what
book agent is"
He asserted that there was no unseemly
haste I'm the book adoption Of 1884, lie
(OFerralD had as much time 10 prepare
for the adoption as the other Governors
had. He saw nothing IN Mr.. Massay's
actions that would cause the most sus-
pcious person 10 think that Mr.. Massey
was any more anxious than the other
members 10 get through with the book
adoption The reasons for the book adop-
ton of 1894 were that the school super
intendents wanted but few changes, ana
further. that the hard times would have
made IL a hardship on the patrons of the
schools had a radical change been made
in the books then In use.
Governor . Ferrall further said that I'M
der the circumstances he would have felt
that he was doing the people OF Virginia
a great wrong had he favored a radical
change
In regard TO what had been called the
''etar-chamber' proceedings OF the Board
of Education, the Governor said that 1t
was not a "star-chamber' proceeding,
unless the boards not permitting the
agents to consume It's time made it so.
He had. he continued, examined the
contracts OF the various States, and only
found a few seeming determinations
against Virginia. which. on closer eXami-
nation, proved not 10 be determinations
After his investigation he was absolutely
satisfied that in no proper sense had
there been any discrimination in the
Virginia book contracts. lie showed
where several OF the so-called d.scrimi-
nations gave to the Virginia children
much better books.
AS to the charges subsequently made
by the Pilot that the Governor and
Attorney General. In their examination
OF book matters In the various States
had omitted some States. he found,
he said. that in the States referred 20
there were NJ State contracts. on
further investigation he found that the
Pilot had been comparing purchasing
prices in those states with selling prices
In Virginia. The charges that the book
business in Virginia involves millions Of
dollars, and that thousands OF dollars
We're lost to Virginia by the book con-
tract. were unreasonable. lie did not
think that there could have been much
advantage to Virginia in an exchange
list"
Continuing. he said, that Mr.. Massey
has been the equal Of either OF the other
members Of the board. but witness
thought that two beat one like eight beat
seven"
THE PLAINTIFF CONSIDERABLE.
Mr.. Massey had no influence over Wit
ness. and he (O'FerralD had found him
conslderate-diiferentla would not be
too strong term 10 use.
The Governor said Nr. Massey's repu-
tation was good. He would believe him
on oath or on OF oath. Witness talked
with Mr.. Massey about this suit, and
told him that he Massey owed 1t 10
himself. 10 his friends, and to the Board
Of Education 10 sue the Pilot. Witness
also said that Massey ought 20 proceed
crimlnally, as well as clvly. MIR Massey
replied TO him that he had hardly de-
cided upon the course he proposed pur-
suing.
Governor O'Ferrall was first cross-ex-
amined by ex-Judge Heath.
Did not you once accuse Mr.. Massey
OF conduct unbecomlng a gentleman. Gov.
ernor o'Ferrall?" asked Judge Heath.
Il DO not remember that | did" was
the reply Of the Chief Executive. Il
have heard others make such charges
against Mr.. Massey
Governor OFerrall. do you believe
that Mr.. Massey's general reputation Tor
truth and honesty Is as good as your
OWN" further Intercepted counsel for
the defence.
THE only difference that l know OF
Is that Mr.. Massey has had some accu-
sations against him." responded the Gov.
ernor 1T IN an easy thing 10 make a
charge, but much harder 10 prove IT,"
Judge Heath here repeated the ques-
ton. The plaintiffs counsel objected. and
considerable argument ensued
Mr. Wise said he did not want Governor
O'Ferrall to dodge the question.
NOT DODGER.
II am not dodger. Captain Wise. as
you we'll know" replied his Excellency.
Judge Pren,!s sustained the objection,
and the Governor resumed his answers
TO Judge Heath's interrogauons
The Governor thought II would have
cost Virginia three times more 10 have
made a change 60 CHM 4 Co.'S books IN
1854 that II did 10 retain the American