The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-05-04
THE NEwBERN CELEBRATION.

The Atlantic and North Carolina Railroad having
been completed from Goldboro to Newborn, grand
celebration took place at the latter Thursday
last the 29th ul We present and took notes of
everything that said and DONE but owing TO the
fact that did not get home until Saturday morning
we cannot give full account this week as we
desired.
We frequently heard the remark that it was the
largest gathering assembled in North Carolina
We cannot speak with certainty that point, but we
can testify to the fact that very large there being
about 1000 persons present.
There were ten Military Companies present-the
Rowan Rife Company from Salisbury with band of
music; the Orange Guards from I!illsboro; the Oak
City Guards from Raleigh, with band the Wilmington
Light Infantry, German Volunteers and Rife Cadets
from Wilmington, with band; the Fayetteville indie
pendant Light Infantry and Lafayette Light Infantry,
with band, from Fayetteville; Company from Wash
ing and the Newbern Company, with band The militia
ry display quite imposing and the soldiers fine
looking body of men. The Oak City Guards the vii.
1t Infantry the Fayetteville Independent and Lafayette
Light Infantry Companies noticed as being particu-
larry well drilled. The Company from sister town,
Salisbury, represented the West and we,
man, felt proud oft The good appearance of the men,
with their excellent band, did credit the they
represented In addition to the military, there
two Fire Companies present-one from Raleigh and
from Wilmington
Without meaning the least disparagement to other
Companies for they were all fne) think the La
yette Light Infantry and the Fayetteville Independent
Companies carried off the palm for being the best drill
ed The Lafayette Light Infantry, commanded by Maj
Cook is decidedly the prettiest Company in the State
and their fine band of music composed of members of
the Company cannot be excelled any where The Fay
etteville Independent 1t. Inf Company Maj Draughon
is the second oldest Company in the United States
being in its 65h year. and for gallant bearing and
all the qualities that constitute the true soldier, it will
compare favorably with the best
large procession formed at IL o'clock and pro-
ceeded beautiful green lawn, where, after prayer
delivered by the Rev. Mr.. Houghton, Of the Episcopal
Church. (Which occupied nine foolscap pages addresses
were delivered by the Rev. Francis l.. Hawks, D. D..
and Henry W Miller, Esq. We have full notes of the dis
tingushcd gcntlemens remarks and regret that time
and space will not permit to publish them at length
DR.. Hawks spoke first extemporaneousy and we VEN
to say that there not North Carolinian pres
ent who did not feel proud Of him as fellow citizen
and proud of the Old North State. He rccouned for
ages past the history Of internal improvements the
energy trials of the first settlers the Albermarle
and the Cape Fear compared the past with the present
condition ofNorth Carolina and called all present
90 home determined to do their duty to God, TO Consti
tutional liberty and the Old North State He spoke
one hour and minutes.
H. w Miller, Esq, of Raleigh then followed in an
address of As minutes. We at a loss to express
our qualification with Mr. Millers effort. 1t manly
patriotic eectrifyng, and we hope its sentiments made
a deep and lasting impression upon the large audience
He spoke of binding the East and the Vest together in
indssoluble bands-no jealous or selfish feelings
should prevail-the West had been liberal to the East
and the latter section ought not to be less 10 the
former-build railroads. and III the hour of danger the
hardy mountaineers would be found ready with
hearts and strong to defend the seaboard from
invasion and to protect the lives and homes of the fair
daughters Of that section. He alluded in eloquent
terms to the loyalty of North notwithstanding moth
ing and expecting nothing from the Federal Govern
ment she had always raised her in its Defence and
would continue to do if she have her rights
der the Constitution, rights and privileges which she
cannot and dare surrender. Aggressons had been
and being made upon the South-up to this time,
argument and appeal for quiet had been answered by
renewed aggressions This continued hostility the
part of one section must be met and the only way to
it is by union among the people at the South
build up trade at home, establish trade with Europe
and make section self-supportng and self-reliant
He concluded by appealing his fellow citizens to do
their duty their whole duty to North Carolina and the
South.
Judge Donnel presided the occasion, and intro
duced the speakers with appropriate remarks.
The Dinner splendid affair. The tables were so
arranged to accommodate twenty-cne hundred per-
sons TO plates, and loaded with the best the
country affords An idea of the extent of the entertain
1nent may be had when there five hundred
bushels of oysters prepared--beef, mutton, pork,
chickens &c. almost 'by the cord" And the best of
all was everybody got something to eat that wanted it.
great many got to drink than they ought to
have had. But everything passed off pleasantly and
without accident of any kind
At night there a free Ball, which we learn
attended by very large company of ladies and gentle
Too much be said in praise of the hospitality
ofthe citizens of Newborn. With willing hearts and
open doors they accommodated the immense concourSe
of people in the best manner possible.