Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-05-27

OIL the Stars STIpeS uOatlng from many
house-top, as did the smile of Heaven upon the
first of the daring pioneers of Meckenburg.
The hoarse- throated cannon bayed out its hearty
welcome, and soon the streets teemed with busy
life. There could not be fewer than five thousand
people astir and other thousands were doubtless
kept away by the unfavorable weather of the previ
GUS days. In The centre of the public square was
erected liberty-pole 100 feet high, and from it
foated large national flag.
Between ten and eleven o'clock the procession
formed in the square, and preceded by the Char
lotte brass band, Capt S E. Belk, leader, marched
to the grove of the new Presbyterian church, where
extensive arrangements had been made for the ac-
commodation of the throng. Over the platform was
beautifully arranged inscription in reef-the
words " Mecklenburg Declaration of independence.
May 20, 1775,"-ln characters about Is inches
deep, composed entirely of cedar branches, save
the word Independence, which was neatly arranged
from holly leaves the barbed edges Of which were
omnous Of danger to the sacrlcgeous hand that would
dare to pluck it out The platform was beautifully
festooned. and the orators table decorated by
two large boquets of the richest and rarest flowers
Woman's hand was stamped on all these embellish
ments. The platform occupied by the orator.
Dr.. Hawks, the chaplain, Rev. DR.; Lacy, Gov. Bragg
Elk Gov. Swain, Chief Justice Nash Judge Ellis,
Hon. d. NJ. Barrnger, Hon. Asa Biggs, j. W. Os
born, Esq, and host Of others whose names
did not learn. The seats Immediately in front Of the
stand were occupied by array of beautiful ladies,
and the background was packed by the bone and
sinew Of the land. The whole presented an ANNA
ted and highly interesting scene.
Chief.Justic Nash being called to the Chair, the
exercises were opened by prayer by Rev. DIR. Lacy.
The Mecklenburg Declaration then read by j.
w. Osborn, Esq, and then the orator of the day
introduced. will not attempt to give idea, even,
of the great effort of DR.. Hawks. His exordium &C.
cupied in its delivery just hour, and presented
one uninterrupted stream of the purest eloquence.-
At will, he held the hearts of his vast audience spell
bound-could dim the eye with t. ars, light it up
with patriotic fire. 1t effort long to be
membcred. He then entered upon a detail of the
circumstances and events which led to the American
Revolution narrowing down the view till he reach
ed the soil of Mecklenburg, and then examined mi
nuely the evidences Of the genuneness of the
Mecklenburg Declaration Of Independence. He &C.
cupied fully two hours more in reviewing this testi-
mony, leaving nothing in doubt or uncertainty
And the hearty applause with which the conclusion
was greeted plainly indicated that he had told his
story well. The exercises closed at about half past
two O'clock and at three the celebration dnne- took
place in the spacious shed of the railroad depot,
which was admirably fitted up for the OCCASION
The dinner provided by Messrs. Young Will
iiams of the Mansion House. Covers were laid for
$50 guests, but not more than two-thirds of that
number sat down. The dinner itself was excellent
and passed off remarkably well. As a sample of
the manner in which they do things of this kind in
Charlotte insert the bill of fare:
SuD.-Green Turtle.
Bo1ed-Corned Beef; Ham; Mutton-Caper sance;
Chicken; Turkey-Egg Sauce
pons Lobster Salad Baked Ham. Champaign Sauce Ven
ison Outlets with Jelly; Fle Of Beef larded, Worcester
shire Sauce; Baked Maccaron, with Cheese la mode
Beef; Chicken Patties; Boned turkey, with Plum Jely
French Pies.
Roast-Beef; Pork Chicken; Turkey Lamb venison;
Mutton.
Jegeta1s-Irish Potatoes; Sweet Potatoes; Rice Pick
les; Beets; Green Peas Lettuce
Sage; and Tapioca Puddings Cherry Gooseberry; Or
ange Raspberry, and Pine Apple Pies.
Asse't Oranges; Pine Apples; English Wanuts; Al
monds; Rasons.
WineS.-Champagn; Sherry.
The head table occupied by the prominent
invited guests, except Gov Bragg and Hon. Asa
Bggs who we're honored by a place at the head of
copy the following excellent sketch of the after
dinner proceedings from the Western Democrat,
prepared by our friend Yates:
The company having satisfied the inner man with
the substanals and desserts which had been provid-
ed in abundance, Gen. Young announced the follow.
ing regular toasts:
l. The Atcke"burg Declaration of May Goth, 1775-The
earliest and bodest aspiration for freedom IN our countrys
history.
q All honor to the brave uen who then noby proclaimed
and maintained the sacred cause of American Liberty
g. Tile United States " -dnertca.-Ther Constitution and
Union
The Hon. Asa Biggs was loudly called for to res
pond to the above sentiment. Mr. Biggs said he
was pleased to have an opportunity of joining his
fellow citizens in commemorative day on whicr.the
independence of this country was first proclaimed.
He closed some interesting remarks with the follow.
ing toast:
maintain that patriotism which their
forefathers of 1775.
5. me President Of the United States.
s. 7he Governor Of North Carolina.
His Excelency, Thos. Bragg, responded to the
in fpyrh nd W. inn ks
closing with this sentiment:
Tie Rec Francis L. Haacks the Orator the day-A true
North garolinan-honor to him who honors her:
T. Tile Judiciary IF North Cd'otino-A faithful admins
tration of law the best safeguard of Liberty.
JAS w. Osborne, ESQ.,, responded to repeated
calls and entertained the audience in short and ap
propriate speech.
g. The University and other Literary institutions Of
ate-Inelectua and moral culture indispensable tn
duties of segovernment.
Elk Gov Swain responded, giving the company
the benefit of many historical "reminiscences which
he had collected-He concluded with his remark
" That the history of Mecklenburg is the proudes
history of any county or State in the Union, or o
any nation in the world"
9. Tile Orator Of the Day.
Old North Stae-We honor her patrioce states
men, her heroes and historians.
The Hon. D. NJ. Barringer was called for form al
parts of the table. Mr.. Barringer said that in tn
absence of any one else to do So he would RESPOND
in behalf of Tennessee-He could say nothing TO
her that was not we'll known-North Carolina ant
Tennessee had ever been faithful to the principle
of the Federal Constitution, and in the future, il
past, he hoped to find the mother and daugher al
ways standing side by side He then gave the fol
lowing toast:
Tile Federal Union-It must be preserved by faithful
adherence to the principles of the Constitution.
[Dr. Ramsey of Tennessee, was prevented from
attending but forwarded sentiment which was read
We could not procure copy for insertion here
i. The State of Syuth Cdrona-In the spirit of III
she sympathzed with forefhers who fought together
with them in many battle of the RevOluton-May com
prQsperitY attend those whom common destin,