Fayetteville Observer

More Old Documents!
A RADICAL CANDIDATE'S RECORD!

On Monday, the 29th day of April, 1861, the Fayetteville Guards left this place on the cars, for Virginia. On Wednesday, the 5th day of May, 1861, the company was mustered into the service of the Confederate States, at Lynchburg, Virginia.
The command was organized and equipped for the sole purpose of entering the Rebel service. This fact was known to everybody there was no concealment—men enlisted, and money was subscribed and paid for the avowed purpose of sustaining the South. There was no compulsion. Those wishing to enrol themselves, did so: those wishing to give money, did so; and such as chose to decline were not censured—in proof of which, we can refer to some districts in which not more than half a dozen of the citizens gave anything; and such as failed to subscribe, were not molested. There was no public opinion that compelled any man either to enlist or to give. He could "take stock," or let it alone, as suited him.
Before the Guards left Fayetteville, a collection was made from such persons as were disposed to aid in equipping the company for the field. Before us now lies the original paper, on which was acknowledged—not the amount subscribed, mind you, but that actually paid, and by whom. Running down the list, we find—what? Look and see:

John Carey, $2 50!

Now we do not blame Mr. Carey for giving to the cause. On the contrary, we then thought he did right;—it showed his liberality—it showed that, as he was anxious to aid in putting soldiers in the Rebel army, the South had his best wishes. But a "change has come over the spirit of his dream."
He is now the Loyal League candidate for the Legislature, and Commissioner of Registration for Lincoln county! Before he can be voted for, however, the law requires him to take and file the following oath. Now, the question is, can Mr. Carey take it, with the record above given staring him in the face? We think not—but let each one read and judge for himself. Section nine of the Franchise law of February 25th, 1867, is as follows:

Be it further enacted, That all candidates for any official position shall, before the day of election, be required to take and subscribe the oath prescribed in the third section of this act, which in case of a candidate for a county office shall be filed in the office of the County Court Clerk, and for all other offices in the office of the Secretary of State; and that judges of elections or other officers shall reject and make no returns whatever of the votes cast for any person who has not so taken and subscribed said oath; and the same oath shall be taken and subscribed as an official oath, by all judges and clerks of elections, and all Sheriffs and their deputy The oath is in these words:

"I do most solemnly swear that I have never voluntarily borne arms against the government of the United States, nor the purpose, or with the intention of aiding the late rebellion nor have I with any such intention, at any time, given aid, comfort, counsel or encouragement to said rebellion, or to any act of hostility to the government of the United States, I further swear that I have never sought or accepted any office, either civil or military. under the authority or pretended authority of the so-called Confederate States of America, or of any insurrectionary States, hostile or opposed to the authority of the United States government, with the intent and desire to aid said rebellion; and that I have never given a voluntary support to any such government or authority:
So help me God!"