The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-04-01
To the Voters of stafford County.

For some time past vague .rumors
have reached me that card was IN
course Of preparation for publication.
the suhiect Of which | could not learn.
| presume the same is the card OF Mr..
James Ashby. headed j. NJ. Ashby,
(which is probably misprnt, appear
ing i'm the Star Of March 29th, 1899, re-
Guires Of me. | think, some answer in
explanation. After examining the
same | must say 1.-THE mountain has
labored and brought forth mouse.
Passing over the defects OF memory
Of facts, that occurred over six years
ago, have simply to say, that the
first part Of Mr.. Ashby's card, and the
Interpretation that he puts upon 1t Is
matter Of recollection TO which l enter
demurrer.
AS to Mr. Ashby's ineligibility at
that time, | simply quote Section a
Code of 1881, which is headed regis
trar ineligible to office. " 'NO person
who acts as registrar shall be eligible
TO an office to be filled by election by
| the people at the election to be held the
next after he has so acted as registrar
According to Mr.. Ashby's statement, l
sent a gentleman TO his school house In
December, 1892, requesting him to enter
his name upon the registration book,
| also requesting transfer for another
person. which was true. Both these
PARTIES applied TO me TO be registered
and TO be transferred MIR Ashby
seems to think this was trick. Why
the necessity of the trick in December
1891, when Mr.. Ashby was clearly
ineligible under the section above
| quoted, as he had acted as registrar IN
the preceding November election: And
| here state that l was only exercising
the right that every candidate possesses
10 have voters who are favorable tC
him put in a position to vote for hin
at the coming election. AS to my leila
tion. " as stated by Mr.. Ashby, "decep-
ton Of the people or "trickery, thai
is a mere matter of opinion, and II
that regard none was intended.
According to his statement, was MOI
bound TO take him into the ONCE, anC
in spite of the fact that he must have
entertained at that time the sentiment
he now expresses toward me, when
approached him in the spring or sum
mer of 90. he very readily consented tt
come back into the office, for which HI
received about one third Of the fees
and after was taken sick one half O.
the fees, which he now enjoys ano
will continue TO enjoy up to the mrs
day Of July, 1899.
very much deprecate any persona
controversy with Mr.. Ashby. as WI
have been upon terms of most intimat'
friendship for years; up TO about yea
ago. he has taken his meals at M
house, whilst at the Court House, as
member of my family. In the presen
canvass no one has heard me utter
deroeatory word Of him, and had no
the remotest idea, until the publication
of this card, that he entertained sue
sentiments toward me. and canno
help but think that the people of thu
t county will view this card III the Ian
, gusge of the Bible: "Oh, that min
. adversary had written book.
have served the people Of this coun
ty in different capacities for q perio
| OF thirty years, have sacrificed m
( health, to great extent, by close ap
plicatiOn and attention 10 the once
! now hold and upon that record l stand
No man, be he Republican or
Democrat. or of any other party, ca
say. that in the administration OF IN
clerks Office | have been partial, br
have served oil alike. On account
s the duties imposed on me by the Office
r il NAV be. that | shall not be able
= make an active canvass, but am sati
fed
"He serves himself who serves the pc
, pie best. -
q have the most implicit conhden!
y in the people of Stafford, that they WI
v do right what'er the verdict be.
would say further that reports as
my i'll health are erroneous as l ha'
a recovered entirely and am as able al
q competent to transact any business as
Is ever was
@. A Bryan.
} Stafford G. II. Va March Goth, 1899