The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-03
was taken that Major Lynn would be de-
feated.
TILE Ma ccrrv cON.rE,cT,

IhlI MASSE1 CONlESI.
There was a feast OF oratory when the
caucus went into the nomination OF
candidate for Superintendent OF Public
Instruction. Some speeches were eio-
quont. others were argumentative. and
occasionally there was much humor IN
the remarks OF the orators. There were
only indirect references 10 the histories
used in the public schools by Mr.. Mas
seys opponents Senator Morris defend
ed Mr.. Massey from the intimation TINT
he was responsible for any Objectionable
histories by saying the history complain
cd of was put into use in 1SlO-long before
Mr.. Massey became superintendent
As rule. the gentlemen making
speeches nominating candidates in op-
position to Mr.. Massey made no reference
TO the superintendent. Butt the Massey
men did not give their man scant praise.
Mr. Masseys service TO the Democratic
party was told Of many times. The days
OF the big Four" were recalled. No
stop was made at Mr.. Masseys political
record One gentleman had much to say
about him as a soldier OF the cross"
Another enthusiastic member lkened
him unto one of the Roman Vestal Vir-
gins. All Of the Masseyites had some
thing complimentary to tell OF the super
intendent's management Of the schools.
Delegate Parks speech I'm socondng the
nomination OF Mr.. Mcdonald was a little
gem and II eliclted great applause.
Nearly every person who spoke men
toned the fact that he 0he speaker had
children or grandchildren in the public
schools or that he did not have any child
rem at all.
WATKINS WIT.
Judge Asa u. Watkins, Of Prince Ed
ward. was easily the most humorous
speaker. and his wit was appreciated.
Tho speeches finally became a little te-
dious, on account OF the great number
OF them aud the lateness of the hour.
and the senators and delegates finally be-
gan TO call for a vote.
The roll calls took mp much time for Y
must be remembered that there were
more men in this caucus than ever sat in
one a Virgina's capital before. Interest
remained at fever-heat for more than an
hour. The result was In doubt until after
Mr. Parker had exhausted every possible
parliamentary tactic with a view of aiding
his friend. Bader. When all hope was
gone. Mr. Parker. in "A loud tone. said he
hoped the Bader men would vote for
Southall That settled IL. for most Of
those Bader men got I'm the Southall band
wagon and rode with II TO victory. 4
great shout was heard In the lobby before
the roll call was finished. The grape
vine telegraph" had sent out the news
Of Mr.. Massey's defeat and DIT. Southan's
victory. Members of the caucus observed
dignifed silence until the vote was an
nounced and then those who had voted
on the winning side yelled and shouted
liked school boys
VICTOR AND NANOTISHED.
Mr. Massey and DR.. Southall sat in the
Senate Chamber while the fight was on.
Each was surrounded by n group or
friends. At last when the result was
reached. Dr. Southall's friends made a
rush for him. For a quarter Of an hour
he was kept busy shaking hands Mr..
Massey's admirers went to him and as
sured him of their sympathy with him
I'm his defeat The venerable superinten-
dent accepted the result philosophically.
and with that calmness Of manner that
has characterized him through life. If he
was a bit downcast he did not show IT.
Mr.. Massey soon left the Capitol with a
few friencs and was chatting pleasantly
with them apparently unmindfu Of
the fact that he had lost the greatest bat
tie OF his life