Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1875-04-16
THE MECKLENBURG CENTEN-
NAL.
An imperial Snub-Rresident Grant
Cannot Attend.

An ImFeriRI Snub-Rresident Grant
Cannot Attend.
Charlotte, n. C., correspondents New FORK Herald.
While the entire sisterhOod of States
comprising the Federal Union are engaged
in the most extensive preparations TO make
the NATIONAL Centennial at Philadelphia in
1876 a grand success, the Old North State is
excited over the Mecklenburg Centennial
to take place in May, 1875, in this city. A
Centennial Association has been formed,
with a central committee whose headquar-
tiers are located here, and there is scarcely
a doubt that the 10Th OF May next will be
celebrated in a manner suitable to the his
tOTic occasion to be cOmmemOrated. This
association, acting in behalf of the State,
have addressed invitations to several OF the
Governors and other officials of nearly all
the States to be present, from all of whom
it has received courteous and favorable re-
sponses. 1t was reserved, however, for the
good old State Of North Carolina to be
snubbed, and that, too, by the President of
the United States. Some time AGO the
Central Committee, under the Instruction
Of the Centennial Association, which rep
resents the State, addressed the following
invitation to the President:
CHARLOTTE, n. c., March, 1S75.-His
EXcellency the President of the United
States; l have the honor, as Secretary of
the Centennial Association, in behalf of
the Central Executive Committee and I'M
der their instructions, to extend to YOU a
special invitation to attend the Centennial
celebration Of the Mecklenburg Declara-
tiORaof Independence to be held in this
city on the 20th May proximo.
TTEsg Mill - IL, 49, I---l--1ar ---s---
saTy Of the Mecklenburg Declaration Of In
dependence, the first made on American
soil, and we desire to do honor to the men,
ory Of the event and Of the men who as
signers Of that instrument or in the early
struggle for freedom participated in the
patriotic deeds Of that day.
We have assurances that North Carolina
and her sister states CT the Union will be
largely represented on that occasion, and
we tIust that You will add in making our
"Centennial" q success by accepting our
invitation TO be present, herewith rendered
you. Asking an early reply, L am your
obedient servant, THoS. W.. DEWEY,
Secretary Executive Committee
Centennial Association.
After awaiting with some anxietythe re-
ply QOr the association had the temerity to
believe the President would at least deign
to honor the State with his presence on this
Occasion), the following imperial snub was
received:
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,
April 3-Mr. Thomas w. Dewey, Secre-
taTy, etc, Charlotte, n. c.: Dear Sir-The
President desires me to inform you, and
the committee you represent, his sincere
thanks for the polite invitation to attend
the Centennial celebration Of the Mecklen-
burg Declaration Of independence on the
10Th Of May. He regrets that his engage
ments viii not permit him to accept.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LEVI p. LUCKY, Secretary.
The publication Of this curt and undig-
niied response to the invitation Of a State
has had anything else but an influence to
promote a patriotic feeling among the star
heels" and they say, "How can North Car
DINA be expected to join the national Cen
tennial when the Chief Magistrate of the
Union thus insults the dignity Of this
State, the Oldest Of the original thirteen?'
The snub has produced a feeling Of indig-
nation throughout the State.